Anger

Managing rage, frustration, "seeing red"

The hitting. The screaming. The look in their eyes that almost scares you. Anger in kids can feel alarming - especially when it seems to come out of nowhere or feels way too big for the situation. But anger is one of the most important emotions for kids to learn to work with, not against.

What to Know

Anger often scares parents more than it scares kids. The intensity, the aggression, the feeling that your child is out of control — it's alarming. But anger itself isn't the problem. It's a legitimate emotion that signals something important: a boundary has been crossed, something feels unfair, or a need isn't being met.

The problem is what kids do with anger when they don't have the skills to handle it. Hitting, screaming, and destruction aren't character flaws — they're signs that the anger is bigger than their ability to manage it. Young children have limited impulse control and almost no practice tolerating intense feelings. They need you to stay calm while the storm passes, then help them build skills for next time.

Kids who learn that anger is acceptable but aggression isn't — and who have adults who can tolerate their big feelings without matching them — develop healthier relationships with anger long-term.

Signs to Watch

•Hits, kicks, bites, or throws things when angry
•Anger seems disproportionate to the trigger
•Has difficulty recovering after angry outbursts
•Expresses anger physically rather than verbally
•Gets angry frequently throughout the day
•Says hurtful things they don't seem to mean

Stories

Why Did They Do That?

Someone bumped Ava on purpose. She was SO mad. Then she asked: why would someone do that? The answer didn't make it okay—but it made it make sense.

The Land of Loud Feelings

When his room feels too small for his big feelings, Jaxon travels to the Land of Loud Feelings—where he can stomp and roar and be wild. When he's done, home is waiting.

Almost, Almost, Almost!

Eli is building something special, but it keeps falling apart. 'ALMOST!' he yells, ready to quit. His dog nudges him outside. After a walk, he sees it differently—and tries one more time.

What Can My Hands Do Instead?

When Max gets mad, his hands want to hit. But hands can squeeze a pillow, push against a wall, or hold tight to a grown-up. Max learns his hands have choices.

When I Turn Into Someone Else

When Nico gets really mad, he doesn't feel like Nico anymore. He stomps and yells and doesn't recognize himself. Afterwards, Mom helps him find his way back.

Monsters Get Hangry Too

When Gus the monster gets hungry, he gets HANGRY. He growls, stomps, and can't think straight. His mom recognizes the signs: 'Gus, when did you last eat?'

Mouths Are Not for Screaming

When big feelings come, sometimes Ollie screams. But screaming hurts ears—his own and everyone else's. His mouth can do other things: hum, breathe, ask for help.

Little Panda's Pushing Problem

When Ping gets frustrated, she pushes. She doesn't mean to hurt—her body just moves. Her dad teaches her to push against a wall instead, or squeeze her own hands tight.

Cooling Down the Fire

When anger shows up, it feels like fire. This story teaches three ways to cool the flames: name it, breathe on it, and find what's underneath.

This Is How I Feel

Happy feels like sunshine inside. Sad feels heavy, like carrying a rock. Scared feels tight, like holding your breath. Every feeling has a feeling—and a name.

Sitting With My Storm

When Leo gets sent to his room, his anger arrives like a storm cloud. Instead of fighting it, he sits. Breathes. Watches. Slowly, the storm passes, and Leo is still there.

I Am the Boss of My Anger

Anger tries to take over Jayden's body. But with help from Uncle Ray, Jayden learns he's the boss—he just has to slow anger down long enough to prove it.