One form of anger management training takes into consideration a basic law of nature: energy can be changed from one form to another. Fossil fuels, for example, can be converted into electrical energy forms. Potential energy becomes kinetic energy when we move. The key is finding a fun and accessible way to make this conversion possible.
Helping your child move excess energy, stress or anger into something positive can easily be done through art. Children are naturally attuned to creative expression. Many simply need to be given the space, time and materials needed for creative transformation to take place.
There are several ways the caregiver or parent can help the child with this form of anger management.
1. Make choice the primary focus in this activity. Giving the reluctant child choice is the best way to elicit his or her cooperation. Get out as many tools and materials as possible such as craft dough, paper mache, paint, crayons, pencils, brushes, plastic spoons forks, potatoes, paper, strips of newsprint and Bristol board.
2. Allow the child room and space for his or her creative impulses. The yard in the back of the house or the deck that can be hosed clean are all perfect places for developing the urge to make something from your heart. The key is to give the child space - space to work with the materials, space to play and experiment with what is before him or her, space to think, space to let ideas gel,even space to take a break and start again. It is absolutely necessary that we abandon the one hour arts and craft session idea; no one can work creatively under timed circumstances.
3. Give praises and encouragement openly and often. You are not training your child for the Academy of the Arts. You are giving the energetic self a way to play off excess energy. Positive encouragement is the best way to keep this self preoccupied. Any creation, even if it is half made, is worthy of positive comment. The child is making something out of nothing and that in itself is noteworthy.
Positive comments encourage the child to make the connection between a specific activity and his emotional state. You want him or her to make this connection a lifelong affair.
4. Play soft music in the background; it can be soft classical music or cheerful children's songs. Studies have confirmed that music does have a powerful effect on our emotions. Researchers have discovered that emotions aroused by joyful music can produce healthy effects on blood vessel functions. The sense of joy aroused in listeners actually causes the blood vessels to dilate or expand, allowing for greater oxygenation in the body.
5. Display your child's art. Make your house into an art gallery. There is nothing that bolsters self esteem more than seeing one's creations displayed and appreciated. I have my grandkids' art works all over my fridge and all over the walls going up the stairs and down the stairs in my house. I place them in sturdy frames so that my house is literally an art gallery for their creations.
6. If you can, create with the kids. I love doing my own art pieces with the children. Being there adds a whole new dimension to the experience. I am not merely supervising them, but actively participating in their play. It is not only fun for me (makes me 10 years younger); it is absolutely critical for my own development as an artist. They give me great suggestions. Kids are the best art critics when they are given the chance.
Anger management does not need to be a form of heavy duty training. Anger management can be fun, focused and transforming through art.