10 ways to clam down an angry kid

Mar 24, 2025

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Effective strategies to calm down an angry kid

Calming an upset child requires patience as well as effective strategies. Simple techniques like deep breathing, movement, and positive self-talk can be employed by children to regulate emotions, regain control, and become more relaxed.

Hugging or holding hands

Physical comfort in the form of a gentle hug or holding hands can provide emotional security and comfort and reduce anger by triggering the release of calming hormones

Listening to music

Calmer, soothing music or their favorite songs can shift their mood, relax their nervous system, and divert attention from anger or frustration.

Practice positive self-talk

Encourage them to master brief affirmations such as "I am calm" or "I can deal with this," which encourages self-control and gives rise to constructive thinking during states of emotional arousal.

Practicing gratitude

Ask them to name three things they are grateful for, redirecting their thoughts from frustration to appreciation, strengthening emotional resilience and more peaceful state of mind.

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Deep breathing

Tell your child to breathe slowly and deeply to soothe their body and mind, helping them manage emotions and become calm quickly when they are angry.

Counting backwards

Encourage counting from 10 down to 1, which shifts attention away from anger to concentration, allowing the child to control their feelings and remain less angry.

Using a calm corner

Create a quiet space with soft toys, books, or calming pictures where your child can retreat and self-soothe when they feel frustrated or angry.

Guided visualization

Direct them to close their eyes and picture a peaceful location, say beach or garden, to divert away from anger and restore emotional calm.

Physical movement

Engage them in bouncing, running, or stretching in order to release accumulated tension and lower stress hormones, allowing them to calm down slowly naturally and regain emotional balance

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