I am needing some advice on what to do with my 7 year old son. He has these crazy outbursts when he is angry or upset. He clenches his fits and grits his teeth and gets so wound up. Sometimes it is over the smallest things. I am so worried that when he is older he will punch someone and kill them. Otherwise he is a very smart, beautiful, caring little boy. He is well liked at school, well behaved, and generally just a nice kid. We have tried getting him to shut his eyes and count and breathe until he calms down, given him the option to go and chill in his room but he still has these outbursts. Yesterday he was playing with the neighbours kids and he had one because one of the kids drummed on his back and he didn't like it. He didn't hurt anyone or hit anyone but the outbursts are enough. I've tried to explain to him that his actions scare people. I showed him what it would be like if I did that up in his face like he does to others and he agreed it wasn't nice and he was scared. Has anyone else experienced this? I'm thinking I may need to take him to a paychologist or something to give him some other techniques to deal with his emotions. He is the eldest child in our family with a younger brother (5) and sister (2). Any advice would be appreciated
3 Replies
Angry outbursts are quite normal at this age I feel. You need to show him more coping mechanisms I think. Counting to 10 doesn't help most people. Next time he has av outburst ask him to walk it off, run around the backyard, or buy him a speedball or punching bag and teach him to hit it when he's angry. Everyone feels differently about different things and has different ways of expressing the emotion. Perhaps see a peadeatrician if your still concerned, but it sounds normal to me and I think you are over reacting with the punch and kill thing. Remember your son is 7. Plenty of time to educate about expressing feelings.
Hasn't this question been posted before? If you are that concerned he needs to see a psychologist.
He needs to see someone please. Kids that explode like this need help. He needs to learn how to cope with his anger and your absolutely right. My son is sufferimg like this almost 6yo but we no the reason well I do. My partner is abusive so all my kids are receiving help amd me too until we sort out the next stage and steps. But yes this needs to be addressed poor thing and all of you. My son will be doing art therapy as a way to express himself in the right way with a professional. Best of luck. See your gp about a referral