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. All of these symptoms are unproductive, unhealthy ways for children to express their anger. Child care providers can become very instrumental in helping the children in their care to develop healthy and more socially acceptable ways to handle anger. Knowing why a child is angry can help the adult work with that child. Not every child becomes angry for the same reasons.