-Take a break from the situation. Tell your child that it's OK to walk away from a conflict to avoid an angry outburst. By moving to another part of the house or the backyard, your child can get some space and work on calming down.
-Find a way to (safely) get the anger out. There may be no punching walls or even pillows, but you can suggest some good ways for a child to vent. Doing a bunch of jumping jacks, dancing around the bedroom, or going outside and doing cartwheels are all good choices. Or your child can choose to write about or draw a picture of what is so upsetting.-Learn to shift. Explain that apart of calming down is moving from a really angry mood to a more in-control mood. Instead of thinking of the person or situation that cause the anger, encourage your son or daughter to think of something else to do. Suggest things to think of or do that might bring about a better mood. Your child may feel better after a walk around the block, a bike ride, playing a game, reading a favorite book, digging in the garden, or listening to a favorite song. try one of these things together so you both experience how doing something different can change the way a person feel.
-Help your child label emotions. Help your child get in the habit of saying what he or she is feeling and why - for example, "I'm mad because I have to clean my room while my friends are playing." Using words doesn't get your child out of doing a chore, but having the discussion can defuse the situation.
-See that your child gets a lot of physical activity. Active play can really help kids who have big tempers.
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