Read the first part HERE
Recap:
Allaah has placed the feeling of anger among His servants as a result of His ultimate wisdom, Mercy, and as a test. It’s a feeling required to protect oneself against evil and to defend oneself if utilized right. However, Allaah has set some limits to every feeling. Within those bounds, they are appreciable, but if it crosses the limits set by Allaah, it can destroy oneself and others related as well… Then some of the possible causes were mentioned that may aggravate a child’s aggression. For eg: The effect of parents, the environment, media exposure, violent video games, speech limitations, lack of love, being bullied, and unjust treatment…3. Other Possible Factors of Anger:
a. Nature
Some kids are naturally more intense than others. Perhaps you have some of your kids that are very mellow and some, not so much. Even though both sides are brought up by you, you can still tell that every kid has an individual personality. Some demand more hard work from you than others. How to manage? All you need to do is direct their energy to a healthy activity. Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) didn’t change Umar (RA) into Abu Bakr (RA) or vice versa. One had a strict personality while the other had a lenient one. Yet both were given the glad tidings of Jannah. So no nature is bad as long as the words/actions that come out of it are right. Talk together about strategies you and your child can use against anger. Know the triggers of his/her anger and give solutions from the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلمFor eg:
Saying أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ and changing positions (sit down if standing or lie down). Tell them that strong is the one who controls his/her reactions while in anger.b. Loneliness
A lack of close friends and a dearth of broader social contact generally bring the emotional discomfort or distress known as loneliness, as mentioned in Psychology Today. How to manage? Provide good companionship for your children (you being the best companion to them). As Prophet (ﷺ) said:The similitude of good company and that of bad company is that of the owner of musk and of the one blowing the bellows. The owner of musk would either offer you some free of charge, or you would buy it from him, or you smell its pleasant fragrance; and as for the one who blows the bellows (i.e., the blacksmith), he either burns your clothes or you smell a repugnant smell. [Riyad as-Salihin 363]Don’t carry out comparisons among siblings. Although competition in righteous deeds should be there but sparking competition doesn’t have to always include comparison. This way it’s easier for kids to separate themselves from the lot and eventually feel lonely and distressed.
c. Physical Discomfort (Head lice / Constant Body Aches etc.)
Head lice may seem like a very insignificant reason though but since it is quite prevalent among kids, it’s necessary to keep this in mind when kids start acting up for no reason. Kids of this little age sometimes can’t diagnose their head lice problem unless and until you don’t find them caught up with their hands 24/7 plowing their heads. How to manage? Parents and teachers especially parents should on and off check the kid’s head. Make it a routine so as to not make the situation worse.The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Cleanliness is half of faith…[Sahih Muslim 223]
d. Stress/ lack of impulse control
Stress can lead to anger because of exhaustion to deal with any more stress. Overwhelming stress in childhood can interfere with the development of frustration tolerance, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation – all of which are required to manage anger.
Children who experience inconsistent parenting, when a parent or multiple caregivers have different or unpredictable expectations, rules, or consequences, can develop anger management problems.
How to manage?
Communication is as important as breathing in such situations. Give them some sort of control so they are able to control their own emotions in a responsible manner instead of you having to tell them constantly. Ask them to use their less-dominant hand in order to practice self-control.
READ: Stress management in Islam (duas and other strategies)
Ameen to your lovely duaa – I think it’s so important to not just resort to smacking or yelling and these solutions are really insightful – I would never even consider head lice! Thank you for the wonderful read
Jazakillahu khair Iman 🙂 head lice makes kids go haywire *cute little they*
Really good article 🙂 The main factor for me is still the first one ; May Allah grant us good kids. Because some kids tho, I don’t know if it’s because of bad friendship, but no matter how much you put your energy in communication it just doesn’t work. May Allah protect us from that. The ultimate way to manage is definitely duah !
Jazakillahu khair maryam!
All we can do is what’s in our capacity… and try our best to apply the right strategy. rest, everything is in Allah’s hands indeed.
wow. Your post is beautiful
Jazakillahu khair lady 🙂
Loved this post, defiantly bookmarked 🙂 Studying child psychology these sort of posts help.
Jazakillahu khair zainab. Feels so good when muslim women get educated in such fields for in sha Allaah they will raise a God-fearing, healthy-mind-and-soul ummah.
This is a very well thought out summary and offers excellent solutions for children. Jazakillah khayr 🙂
Waiyyaki Rubina 🙂
I wish if people are more aware of mild mental health. It’s not a shame to admit their family member in a mental health facility if his condition required to! He will get better in a reasonable amount of time, and will not have to to suffer for more years!
Ah so true. An article like this coming soon inshaaAllah 🙂