angry children

[Lisababy]

I have a question for the ladies today. Especially the mommies.

Have you ever had anger problems with your children? And if so, what are some things you did to help prevent blow ups, or deal with the blow up in the moment it's happening?

I am a single mom and my 5 year old son has been having some anger issues. We are going to be seeing a psychologist because there are alot of underlying issues that may be causing it. He pretty much rages when he gets upset. Threatens physical violence, hits, kicks etc. We had an episode in the grocery store yesterday and i thought i would die from embarrassment. It's very serious and i'm really concerned about him. He will be like that when he gets upset, but within an hour (at the most) he's calm, we talk about it and he's fine until the next time he gets upset over something. I'm just worried because each time he loses it, the severity of his actions and threats seem to be increasing (hence the appt with the psychologist)

So i was just wondering if anyone had any similar issues with their children and if you have any advice to help make this easier to deal with.

Thanks ladies and God Bless

[ingegneriae]

I've heard of situations where the diet of the child can effect their mood. In those situations, parents tried to give their children a diet that avoids artificial additives, etc. I've heard parents who've started their kids off on a plain foods diet, then slowly added one food item at a time to see how the food effects their children. I hope it helps, and I pray that God will help you and your child through this difficult time.

[CircleSlide]

I am a mom of three, and many things can lead to anger in children, children are not able to articulate their thoughts as well as adults. Frustration can lead to anger. Is this anger new? I would certainly try to pin point what is making him upset/act out.

My son (now 12) was very emotional (he is high functioning autistic) when he was little, he still is but can control himself much better now. Now I am not saying by no means your son is autistic, just that I know about anger and temper tantrums in stores, restaurants, and church, I don't know how many times we had to leave a situation. It took a long time to actual find out what was going on? But for him there where triggers, a lot of activity or noise, changing his routine, rooms that are dark or heavy, falling behind in class or not able to keep up, we delt or removed these triggers and the anger subsided.

I would read Shepherding a Child Heart, a good book on childhood anger, or Dobson's The Strong Willed child.

I will be praying for you! :hug

[Xian]

I knew a mom once who had a daughter that was normally very sweet and obediant. When she hit 5 she started to act out in anger. The mother called her business "help line" and spoke with a counselor there who suggested that the next time her daughter began to get physical, to take her and place her (clothes and all!) in the shower and turn on the cold water.

The mom did it the next go around and the daughter never acted out again :lol

I'm not saying I suggest this, but it worked for them!!