120+ Simple Anger Management Games for Kids
Dealing with anger can be tough, especially for kids who are still learning how to control their emotions. But it’s super important to give them the tools they need to manage their anger in a healthy way.
And what better way to do that than through some fun games and activities?
In this blog post, I’m gonna share 25 simple games that can help kids manage their anger and express themselves in a healthy way.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these games are easy to implement and can teach children essential anger management skills they can use for life.
So, let’s dive in and check out these awesome games!
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Understanding Anger
Anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences, but it can be particularly challenging for children to manage in age-specific situations.
As a parent, it’s important to understand that anger is a powerful emotion that can make it hard to think clearly and make good decisions. Teaching your child successful anger management strategies is key to personal growth and healthy relationships.
Common causes of anger in children can include frustration, disappointment, and feeling overwhelmed. For example, a child may get angry when they don’t get their way, when they feel like they’re being treated unfairly, or when they’re dealing with peer pressure.
Children may also experience anger as a result of emotional or behavioral issues such as anxiety or ADHD.
Unmanaged anger can lead to negative consequences, such as acting out, hurting others, and damaging relationships. Children who struggle to manage their anger may have trouble making friends, following rules, and succeeding academically.
It is important to teach children healthy ways to manage their anger, so they can learn to express their feelings in appropriate ways and avoid negative consequences.
Deep breathing is a simple way to help children manage their anger. You can encourage your child to take deep breaths when they start to feel angry, and it can be helpful to have an anger thermometer or an anger management workbook on hand.
A fun anger management game like a therapeutic card game can be a great way to help your child learn how to control their anger in a positive way.
120+ Anger Management Games For Kids
- Emotion Charades: Play charades with emotions, where kids act out different emotions, including anger, and others guess what they are feeling.
- Feelings Bingo: Create bingo cards with various emotions instead of numbers, and as children feel these emotions throughout the day, they mark them off.
- Breathing Buddies: Have kids lie down with a stuffed animal on their belly and practice deep breathing, making the stuffed animal rise and fall.
- Anger Stoplight: Teach kids to recognize escalating anger by using a stoplight analogy: green for calm, yellow for frustration, and red for anger. They can use this to gauge their feelings.
- Count to Ten: Encourage kids to count to ten slowly when they’re angry before reacting. This helps them cool down and think before acting.
- Feelings Thermometer: Create a visual thermometer where kids can move a marker to show how angry they feel. This helps them identify and communicate their emotions.
- Anger Art: Provide art supplies and let kids express their anger through drawings or paintings.
- Emotion Cards: Create cards with different emotions, and have kids pick a card and discuss a time when they felt that way.
- Anger Journal: Encourage kids to keep a journal where they write about what made them angry and how they resolved it.
- Balloon Bop: Write down anger triggers on balloons and let kids take turns popping them and discussing strategies for dealing with those triggers.
- Musical Feelings: Play musical chairs but with different emotion-themed songs, and have kids share a time they felt that emotion when the music stops.
- Mindful Coloring: Provide intricate coloring pages and teach kids to focus on their coloring as a way to calm down and manage anger.
- Feelings Storytelling: Have kids create stories about characters who experience anger and how they cope with it.
- Emotion Freeze: Play freeze dance with music representing various emotions, and when the music stops, kids must freeze and discuss how they feel.
- Anger Coping Cards: Develop a set of coping strategy cards with drawings or words, and have kids choose one when they’re angry.
- Calm Down Jar: Create a calming jar filled with glitter and water. When kids shake it, they can watch the glitter settle as a way to calm themselves.
- Feelings Charades: Similar to Emotion Charades, but with specific scenarios related to anger triggers that kids act out.
- I Spy Emotions: Play “I Spy” with emotions by asking kids to identify and describe emotions they see in others.
- anger Walk: Take kids for a walk and encourage them to talk about their anger triggers and how the physical activity helps them feel better.
- Emotion Memory Game: Create a memory game with cards showing pairs of emotions, and kids must match the emotion cards.
- Anger Art Collage: Have kids cut out pictures from magazines that represent their anger triggers and then create a collage to express their feelings.
- Emotion Faces: Draw different facial expressions on paper plates and have kids practice identifying and making these expressions.
- Emotion Detective: Give kids a list of emotions to look for during the day and encourage them to report back on when they spotted those emotions in themselves or others.
- Feelings Sculpture: Provide clay or playdough and have kids sculpt their emotions or create characters that represent their feelings.
- Breathing with Shapes: Teach kids to breathe deeply by having them trace shapes (like a square) with their finger while inhaling and exhaling.
- Anger Puppet Show: Create a puppet show where puppets express their anger and resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Emotion Bingo: Similar to Feelings Bingo, but with a broader range of emotions beyond just anger.
- Angry Birds Breathing: Use stuffed birds as props for deep breathing exercises, squeezing them while exhaling.
- Feelings Wheel: Create a wheel with different emotions and spin it to discuss the chosen emotion and how to manage it.
- Calm Down Spot: Designate a special spot where kids can go to calm down when they’re angry.
- Worry Dolls: Have kids make worry dolls and tell them their worries, helping them release their anger.
- Emotion Match Game: Create a matching game where kids match pictures of emotions with their corresponding names.
- Feeling Faces Puppets: Make puppets with different emotion faces and let kids act out their feelings.
- Emotion Charades Cards: Create cards with written prompts for emotion-themed charades.
- Feeling Fortune Tellers: Make origami fortune tellers with emotions on them, and kids can use them to talk about their feelings.
- Feelings Jenga: Write different emotions on Jenga blocks and discuss the emotion when a block is pulled.
- Emotion Flashcards: Use flashcards with emotion faces and have kids choose one that represents how they feel.
- Anger Role-Play: Act out scenarios that make kids angry, then switch roles to discuss different ways to react.
- Emotion Board Game: Create a board game where players navigate through different emotions and discuss strategies to manage them.
- Calm Down Dice: Make a calming dice with activities like deep breathing or counting to ten for kids to roll when they’re angry.
- Emotion Stones: Paint stones with various emotions and encourage kids to pick one and share why they chose it.
- Anger Art Gallery: Display children’s anger-themed artwork and discuss each piece.
- Angry Animal Walk: Pretend to be different animals and act out how they express anger.
- Feelings Mask-Making: Decorate masks to represent different emotions and wear them to express their feelings.
- Anger Relay Race: Set up a relay race where kids carry an anger ball and share strategies at each station.
- Feelings Journal Prompts: Provide journal prompts related to emotions and have kids write about their experiences.
- Emotion I-Spy Book: Create a book with pictures of emotions and play “I Spy” with it.
- Emotion Story Cubes: Make story cubes with emotions on them, and kids roll them to create a story about managing anger.
- Feelings Collage Board: Make a collage board with pictures of people expressing different emotions, and discuss them.
- Emotion Stickers: Use stickers with emotions to create emotion-themed artwork or decorate journals.
- Anger Balloon Animals: Learn to make balloon animals and discuss anger management while creating them.
- Feelings Pictionary: Play Pictionary with emotions as the theme.
- Emotion Walk: Go on a nature walk and discuss how different aspects of nature make kids feel.
- Anger Bingo Cards: Create bingo cards with anger triggers, and kids mark them when they recognize those triggers.
- Emotion Sculpture Garden: Sculpt emotions using clay and arrange them in a “garden.”
- Anger Thermometer Chart: Draw an anger thermometer and use it to track anger levels throughout the day.
- Feelings Trading Cards: Make trading cards with emotions and trade them with friends, discussing each emotion.
- Emotion Storytelling Jar: Write down different emotions and scenarios on paper and have kids draw one and tell a story.
- Anger Stopwatch: Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for anger to subside, then discuss strategies to make it quicker.
- Feelings Puppets Theater: Create a puppet theater and put on shows that explore various emotions.
- Emotion-Filled Balloons: Write emotions on pieces of paper and place them inside balloons before inflating. Kids can pop a balloon and discuss the emotion they find.
- Anger-Freeze: Play a game where kids freeze when they feel angry, then unfreeze and discuss their feelings.
- Feelings Memory: Make a memory game with emotion cards, similar to Emotion Match Game.
- Emotion Wall Art: Decorate a wall with artwork that represents different emotions.
- Anger Collage: Cut out pictures from magazines that relate to anger and create an anger collage.
- Feelings Yoga: Practice yoga poses that correspond to different emotions.
- Emotion Puppet Theater: Use puppets to put on a theater show about managing anger.
- Anger Pictionary: Play Pictionary with anger-related words and phrases.
- Feelings Story Cubes: Make story cubes with emotions, scenarios, and resolutions for storytelling.
- Emotion Role Reversal: Act out scenarios where kids take the role of someone else, helping them see different perspectives.
- Anger Balloon Volleyball: Play volleyball with a balloon and discuss anger management between rounds.
- Feelings Alphabet: Go through the alphabet and name a feeling for each letter.
- Emotion Tracing: Trace emotion faces onto paper and color them in different ways to express emotions.
- Anger Game Show: Create a game show with anger management questions and challenges.
- Feelings Balloon Pop: Write different emotions on balloons and pop them, discussing each emotion as it’s revealed.
- Emotion Masks Theater: Create emotion masks and put on a mask-themed play.
- Anger Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of things that make kids angry and go on a scavenger hunt to find them.
- Feelings Bubbles: Blow bubbles and discuss how each bubble represents a feeling.
- Emotion Tangrams: Use tangram puzzles to create emotion-themed shapes.
- Anger Puppet Interview: Have kids interview a puppet about their anger and how they handle it.
- Feelings Balloon Toss: Toss a balloon to someone and have them share a time when they felt the emotion written on the balloon.
- Emotion Drawing Relay: Play a relay game where kids draw emotions and pass the drawing to the next player to continue.
- Anger Collage Book: Create a book filled with anger collages and discuss each one.
- Feelings Playdough: Use playdough to sculpt emotion faces and discuss each feeling.
- Emotion Charades Challenge: Make charades more challenging by acting out emotions without speaking.
- Anger Story Stones: Paint emotion faces on stones and use them as prompts for storytelling.
- Feelings Fortune Tellers Theater: Put on a puppet show with fortune tellers that predict emotions.
- Emotion Bingo Calls: Instead of numbers, call out emotion names in a traditional bingo game.
- Anger Mirror Game: Have kids mirror each other’s emotions and discuss how it feels.
- Feelings Dominoes: Play dominoes with emotions as the matching element.
- Emotion Role-Play Cards: Create cards with emotion scenarios for role-playing exercises.
- Anger Storytelling Chain: Sit in a circle and take turns adding to a story about anger management.
- Feelings Collage Puzzle: Make a collage and cut it into puzzle pieces, then assemble and discuss the emotions in the artwork.
- Emotion Sculpture Relay: Play a relay game where kids sculpt emotions out of clay and pass them to teammates.
- Anger Yoga Poses: Incorporate yoga poses that help release anger and tension.
- Feelings Story Cubes Theater: Use story cubes with emotions for puppet theater storytelling.
- Emotion Wall Mural: Create a mural on a large piece of paper with different emotions represented.
- Anger Art Show: Display children’s anger-themed artwork in a gallery-style setting.
- Feelings Collage Race: Race to create an emotion-themed collage with a time limit.
- Emotion Poetry: Write poems about different emotions and read them aloud.
- Emotion Story Chain: Create a chain story where each person adds to the story by incorporating an emotion.
- Anger Puppet Parade: Organize a puppet parade with puppets displaying different emotions.
- Feelings Rainbow: Draw a rainbow with different emotions/colors, and discuss what each color represents.
- Emotion Freeze Tag: Play freeze tag, but when tagged, kids must freeze and act out an emotion.
- Anger Journal Jar: Write anger prompts on slips of paper and keep them in a jar for journaling.
- Feelings Tug-of-War: Play a tug-of-war game where kids discuss and resolve conflicts to “win.”
- Emotion Drawing Challenge: Give kids a challenging emotion to draw, encouraging creativity.
- Anger Storytelling Cards: Create cards with emotion-themed story elements for collaborative storytelling.
- Feelings Pictionary Relay: Play Pictionary in teams with a relay-style twist.
- Emotion Bean Bag Toss: Label bean bags with emotions and have kids toss them into corresponding emotion buckets.
- Anger Mask Parade: Organize a mask parade where kids wear masks representing different emotions.
- Feelings Tower: Build a tower using emotion-themed blocks and discuss feelings as they stack.
- Emotion Story Spinner: Make a spinner with different emotions and use it to spin and tell a story.
- Anger Sculpture Exhibit: Set up an exhibit with sculptures made by kids to represent anger management.
- Feelings Balloon Volleyball Relay: Play balloon volleyball in teams, and discuss emotions between rounds.
- Emotion Puzzle Race: Race to complete puzzles of emotion faces while discussing each one.
- Anger Art Easel: Set up an easel with anger-themed art supplies for spontaneous expression.
- Feelings Theatre Workshop: Hold a theater workshop where kids write and act out scenes about emotions.
- Emotion Hopscotch: Create a hopscotch grid with emotions instead of numbers, and discuss feelings as you play.
- Anger Building Blocks: Use building blocks to create structures that represent different emotions.
- Feelings Puppetry Workshop: Teach kids how to make emotion puppets and perform puppet shows.
- Emotion Collage Puzzle Race: Race to complete emotion-themed collages that have been cut into puzzle pieces.
- Anger Storytelling Stones: Paint emotion faces on stones and use them as storytelling prompts.
- Feelings Dance Party: Dance to music that represents different emotions and discuss the feelings evoked.
- Emotion Alphabet Cards: Create cards with emotion words for each letter of the alphabet and discuss each one.
Effective Ways to Teach Anger Management
Different ways to teach anger management to children can include fun activities such as games. These games provide a safe and interactive way for kids to learn and practice new skills. Popular anger management games for kids include “Angry Octopus” and “Calm Down Kit” which help children understand and express their anger in healthy ways.
These games are specifically designed to teach children about their emotions and how to control them in a safe and effective way. One great game is the award-winning “Mad Dragon” which is a board game that teaches children how to recognize and manage their feelings of anger.
The object of the game is to help the mad dragon learn how to express his anger in a constructive way. This game is a great way to teach children important social skills while also helping them to control their heart rate and manage their big emotions. Another good idea is to use anger activities in the classroom setting, where children can learn to control their own anger in a safe and fun way.
These activities are a great addition to any curriculum, and can be used as a first step in addressing negative emotions and helping children to learn how to cope with difficult times.
Whether your child is a Canadian or not, these games and activities can provide a helpful emotion tool for any child who is struggling with anger control problems. They can be used as a next time strategies and you can use them to teach your child fundamental respect and coping strategies to control anger .
It’s important to choose age-specific games and to consider the setting in which the game will be played. For children with special needs, modifications may be necessary to make the game more accessible. Anger management games are just one tool in helping children cope with anger and it’s important to provide guidance and support while also modeling healthy strategies.
Additional resources such as books and websites can also provide valuable information and guidance for parents and caregivers. It’s important to recognize that anger is a normal emotion and that teaching children practical ways to control it is a vital skill for building healthy relationships and overall well-being.
Tips for Using Anger Management Games
When it comes to using anger management games with children, it’s important to choose the right game for your child’s age, interests, and needs.
For example, a board game may be more appropriate for an older child, while a therapeutic card game may be better for a younger child. It’s also important to choose a game that is age-specific, as children of different ages may have different developmental needs and may respond differently to certain types of games.
It’s also important to consider the setting in which the game will be played. For example, if the game will be played at home, it may be helpful to create a designated “calm down” space in the child’s room where the game can be played. In the classroom setting, it may be helpful to incorporate anger management games into the classroom routine, such as playing a game during a designated “calm down” time each day.
For children with special needs, it may be necessary to modify the game in order to make it more accessible. For example, for children with sensory processing disorder, it may be helpful to include a variety of different textures or objects in the game to help them focus and stay engaged.
Additionally, for children with language barriers, it may be helpful to use simple language and visual aids to help them understand the concepts of the game.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that anger management games are just one tool in helping children learn how to manage their anger. Parents and caregivers should also provide guidance and support, while also modeling healthy anger management strategies themselves.
Addressing Anger In Children
The best ways to address anger problems in children and young people is through the use of practical and enjoyable anger management activities. A great resource for these activities is a practical handbook that provides a broad range of enjoyable activities in accessible language.
This is an ideal resource for parents, educators, and other caregivers who are looking for ways to help a child with anger issues.
Games, such as the award-winning “Mad Dragon” game, can be a great way to help children learn about and control their anger. Video games, such as “Anger Control”, are also a good idea for angry kids.
Simple ways to help a child with their behavior include using a game board or a picture book to discuss possible anger triggers and coping strategies. For young children, a picture book on anger can be a great addition to a classroom setting.
Professional help may be necessary for children with severe anger control problems, but for most children, a little help and some good advice can go a long way.
The “Anger Defuser” is a great book that can help children and adults alike to control their anger and express their feelings in a safe and healthy way.
Even a small piece of paper with the words “safe place” written on it can be a helpful reminder for kids of all ages to take a step back and control their big feelings.
Following activities, like “Temper Tamers” and “Anger Control”, can help children learn to control their anger and develop fundamental respect for others. The “Remote Control” game is also a great way to help children practice coping strategies for difficult times. In general, it is important for a wide range of people to have access to resources that can help them control their anger and develop positive coping strategies.
Bottom Line
In this blog post, we have discussed the importance of teaching children how to manage their anger and the benefits of using games as a tool for teaching anger management skills.
We have introduced some popular anger management games for kids and discussed how they can help children understand and control their anger. We have also provided tips for using games in different settings and for children with special needs.
As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize that anger is a normal emotion and that it’s important to teach children healthy ways to cope with their feelings. Anger management games can be a fun and effective way to teach children coping skills and personal growth.
By using games to teach children how to recognize the signs of anger and how to control their anger, we can help them develop the skills they need to build healthy relationships and to have successful anger management strategies.
If you’re looking for additional resources for learning about anger management for children, there are a number of great books and websites that can provide additional information and guidance.
Some good options include “The Angry Octopus: An Anger Management Story for Children” by Lori Lite, “The Anger Management Workbook for Kids” by Dawn Huebner, and “Calm Down Kit” by Deborah Plummer. These resources can provide a great starting point for parents and caregivers looking to teach their children effective ways to manage their anger.
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