Guest Author - Susan Kramer
Anger management help may be needed for the child diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder - ODD. Not only do the techniques help the child, but they are useful for the parents and others who work with the child.
Here are 3 useful techniques
1. Learning to be more flexible is one way for a child to lessen their tantrums about not getting their way exactly, this minute.
Flexibility considers all the options, then makes a good choice. It is empowering and the child stays in control of themselves.
Developing flexibility rather than expecting instant gratification may need to be learned if the child is used to having others make the decisions for them; in turn feeling frustrated.
Laying out 3 or 4 options to get the job done and letting the child choose which course to follow empowers him.
2. Another way a child can manage anger - without anyone noticing - is to do a few rounds of even breathing.
In my experience a child of 4 or older can practice even breathing to calm down. They don't even need to be able to count. What works with the younger children is modeling it by doing the pattern yourself.
During a calm time make the silent breathing practice a game, saying perhaps, "Let's play our good breathing game."
3. Separating the child and adult is a way to dispel a period of anger. Just walking away before the scene becomes uncontrollable helps.
Also, changing activities and being with other people are ways to take the charge out of anger.
Diffusing the lighted wick before it starts the fire of an argument is much easier than fighting a brush fire, where words can escalate to acting out negatively!
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Article by Susan Kramer
