The most important concept for all of us to learn is that anger is a normal and natural response. The responses to this emotion can sometimes cause difficulty and concern. Some are obvious, others can be overlooked. Child care providers may see a child exhibit physical symptoms of anger such as flushing or paling of the face, muscle tension, sweating, crying, or tantrums. Other children may verbally express their anger through screaming, cursing, or arguing.
Physical aggression is another expression children use to show their anger.
Child care providers have probably witnessed the angry child who has hit, bit, or kicked other children or who has slammed doors, punched furniture, thrown objects, or broken toys. Other symptoms are more passive-aggressive in nature. Sometimes poor academic grades, lack of social cooperation, procrastination, forgetfulness, or stubbornness are signs of an angry child. Some children respond to anger by repressing their feelings. This can be very dangerous and may lead to depression, use of drugs, feelings of guilt, eating disorders, health problems, or thoughts of suicide.