Anger Management

Is My Child's Anger Normal?

by Child Mind Institute

"Most children have occasional tantrums or meltdowns. They may sometimes lash out if they’re frustrated or be defiant if asked to do something they don’t want to do. But when kids do these things repeatedly, or can’t control their tempers a lot of the time, it may be more than typical behavior.

Here are some signs that emotional outbursts should concern you:

• If your child’s tantrums and outbursts are occurring past the age in which they’re developmentally expected (up to about 7 or 8 years old)

• If the behavior is dangerous to themself or others

• If the behavior is causing serious trouble at school, with teachers reporting that they are out of control

• If the behavior is interfering with their ability to get along with other kids, and they are excluded from play dates and birthday parties

• If the tantrums and defiance are causing a lot of conflict at home and disrupting family life

• If they are upset because they feel they can’t control their anger, and that makes them feel bad"