Item ideas for putting together an anger box for 3 year old child?

Question

I am putting together an anger box for my child who is very angry (i believe because of seperation anxiety) He gets to use this (and any other child who may need to through out the day to go to the safe calm space and use the box to calm down. So far I have lots of fun and different stress balls. What else can you think of? I thought about books but a lot of these children would rip them up. Thanks for any insight

Answer 1

I agree with fluflu66. Children need to know that it's alright to be angry sometimes. There IS an underlying reason why the child is always angry. With the right dialogue, you can find out why. It is a teachable moment and an opportunity to let the child know that he can trust you and come to you when he feels this way.

Answer 2

what about letting them rip paper? It's not okay to rip books but why not paper? When they are calm again they could clean it up? One of those hammer toys? (with the pins they hammer in?) or a notebook and a red crayon ask them to draw their anger? PLay-doh could be beat on. We have an "I'm mad right now" pillow in our house its actually a bright red piece of fabric that i sewed up filled with rice, if someone is mad they are allowed to hit it, kick it, or just yell at it and no one is allowed to talk with them while they have the pillow but this would probobly be distracting in a classroom

Answer 3

you can put a stuffed animals like a teddy bear to give a hug to. you can also put hard cover books that has pictures that can calm him down like books about animals or a favorite book.

Answer 4

Good for you!

I believe all programs should have a “Balance Center” … Which is a "quiet and safe" area set aside for when a child feels angry, tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, etc. It works! It’s NOT to punish a child—but for the child to REGAIN control and “balance”… At times a child would be directed to this spot—but more often they would go there themselves.

If a child behaves inappropriately ---once that child "cools down" you would then "talk" about it. The center itself however, is to cool down---it's a "safe place" to aid children in keeping or regaining balance of feelings and emotions.

Before I became a consultant, I created such a zone; in children’s programs, this was a small tucked away corner—and in my home it was part of the play area. (My children chose where to put it and what to call it)

In the “Balance Center” I placed a couple bean bag chairs and large pillows. An “Emotion Face Poster”—and other relaxing posters (all hung very low near floor level)

There was a basket with books (for young children use cloth and heavy board books) calming music with head phones, and a BOX filled with sensory items -----

articles that are soft, kooshy, textured, prickly, etc. It also could have a music box, mirror with handle, a snow globe, a good rain stick, an etch-a sketch, and pad of paper and crayons. Anything that is relaxing works well.

You used the words “Anger Box.” Consider calling it something that suggests calmness and regrouping…The box is to be used as a “Balance Center" is used---“The Feel Good” Box ….or…."Thinking", "Happy", "Sunshine", etc. would set the tone for helping children relax and gain control.

I wish all programs and homes would do what you are doing. It’s a concept that I tried to promote for many years. Good Luck--- I’d love to hear how it works for you.

Barb Shelby

Child Consultant-Educator

Forum Page: http://www.after-school-care.com/Forum.a...

Answer 5

I like the idea but would like to offer something to consider if i may.  Children learn to talk about problems, solve them and have ownership by practicing in safe environments.  I think that if whenever this child is angry that it could be a "teachable" moment where, by modeling ,your language and guidance could "manage" this.  If this child becomes empowered to own this situation with you.....in the future they are more apt to find solutions of their own.  I think you have a good idea with re-directing.  I think it is perfectly normal for a child to be angry with you setting the expectations for the actions of that anger within the community.  I would reinforce those expectations with language as much as possible.  I promise you that (as he develops) nothing is more important to your child than belonging  to  the group. Offer a chance for some victories by allowing a few "failures" This will take time, but the windfall will be amazing. Has this child been in a situation where this behavior was prevalent for solving problems?  If so, the ability to use words and negotiate will take time and practice with you. I like your idea but you also need to consider modeling, practice to gain the skills to deal with  anger among others.  You are trying hard......great idea.

Answer 6

Put in art supplies. Crayons, markers (they're not breakable) different types of paper, so on. This way the child can draw their feelings. Playdough or something of that sort. You want them to have a creative outlet for their anger.

Answer 7

good question..Helped me to know about anger box..I never had any such idea of anger box

Answer 8

straight jacket