How do I teach my child healthy ways to cope with anger?

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion — the goal is not to eliminate it but to express it safely. Start by normalizing it: 'Everyone gets angry. It's what we DO with anger that matters.' Teach physical regulation strategies: deep breathing (smell the flower, blow out the candle), squeezing a stress ball, running outside, or doing jumping jacks. Create a 'calm-down corner' with sensory tools. Help them identify anger early: 'My fists are tight, my face is hot — I'm getting angry.' Teach 'I feel' statements: 'I feel angry when you take my things without asking.' Avoid punishing anger itself (only aggressive behavior), as this teaches children to suppress rather than manage emotions. Model your own anger management openly. Consult your pediatrician if anger episodes are frequent, intense, or include violence toward others or self.