Healthy anger : how to help children and teens manage their anger /

Golden, a teacher at Chicago's Illinois School of Professional Psychology, assures parents it's okay if their kids get mad, agreeing with the common view that "anger is not a sign of emotional instability. It is a perfectly natural emotion." As any parent of a teed off toddler or antagonistic adolescent knows, if the tempest isn't to be tamed, it needs to be redirected. Parents will find advice on how to do just that, but they must be willing to slog through some lengthy and fairly scholarly passages on identifying the emotions associated with anger and recognizing the motivations behind it. Although the table on assessing the frequency of a child's anger expressions (which includes on its list neediness, vandalism, anxiety, scapegoating, lateness, substance abuse and sexual promiscuity) may be ill-suited for younger children, it should help parents of angry teens. For parents seeking a quick fix, Golden's geometric diagrams and guidelines based on psychological theory (e.g., "The notion of suppressed, repressed, or hidden emotions is especially important in regard to anger") might perplex. But those interested in learning about the deep reasons behind their children's anger should find enlightening data here. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Golden (Illinois Sch. of Professional Psychology) believes that anger is a natural and healthy emotion that should be explored rather than repressed. Here, he presents a useful model to help parents manage their children's and teenagers' ire. Through its different components, the author explains how children and teens, by way of self-reflection and communication, can gain a better understanding of their needs, wants, expectations, and emotions. Exercises are offered to help one get in touch with emotions, to relax, and to listen to self-talk. Although Golden well explains the model and strategies, using a lot of clinical examples to lighten his tone, the amount of information may at times overwhelm readers. In addition, he strongly recommends that parents first practice the strategies on themselves before trying them with their kids. For those reasons, this book might put off some parents. However, those who tackle it will find inspiration. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries; those looking for a less rigorous approach should check out Tim Murphy's The Angry Child.-Maryse Breton, Davis Branch Lib., CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.