A free Kids4Equity activity
Talking Through Anger
Not sure what to say when a child feels angry? Use these questions to talk about the feeling together, once you are both ready.
Free to open and print.
How to use this activity
Wait until you’re both ready
Big feelings can make conversation hard. Give your child a little time and space, then use Aiden’s Tips as a starting point when you’re both ready.
Ask what happened
Try, “What happened?” or “What did that feel like?” Let your child tell you in their own words. They may need a pause, a drawing, or another chance later.
You can acknowledge anger and still hold a boundary: “It’s okay to feel angry. I won’t let you hit.”
What might help?
Ask, “What might help right now?” Offer a few simple choices, such as sitting together, taking a break, or getting a drink of water.
Later, choose one thing to try if that feeling comes back.
Meet the Emotelings from Kids4Equity
Keep exploring feelings with Aiden
When the conversation needs a starting point, read Aiden Gets Angry together. Follow Aiden’s experience and talk about what anger feels like and what might help.
Hardcover picture book · Ages 3–8
Explore Aiden’s storyReady to print?
Open and print the free guide.
Sources
Read more about helping kids through frustration in our SEL post and these references.
- Head Start: Social and Emotional Development
- CASEL: Self-Management (SEL Framework)
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child: Persistence and Learning Through Challenge