Does your child come home from school and explode over the smallest thing? Angry outbursts are common in dyslexic children. Here’s what’s behind them, a 10-minute way to talk about anger triggers, and 5 tips to help your child stay calm.
Anger often comes from a mix of feelings:
- frustration
- anxiety
- stress
- humiliation
- shame
Dyslexic children can feel strong emotions, which can spill over into outbursts. Common anger triggers include:
- struggling at school
- bullying from other children
- feeling tired
Many children hold it together all day at school, then let it all out at home, where they feel safe. This can lead to shouting, hitting or breaking things.
This activity is based on research showing that “children with dyslexia show stronger emotional responses”.
Try it today: talk about anger triggers
Pick a calm moment, when your child is not upset. This works well after an outburst, once everyone has calmed down.
- Ask about one trigger (3 minutes). For example, “How do you feel when you get things wrong in class?” Let them show you with their hands, from a little bit cross to really angry.
- Share how you cope (3 minutes). Tell them what you do when you feel angry, like taking deep breaths or going for a walk.
- Make a plan (4 minutes). Agree one thing your child can do next time they feel the anger building, like squeezing a cushion or going to a quiet corner.
Listen without judging. Taking their feelings seriously helps them feel safe.
Want a ready-made way to talk about anger?
The Anger Triggers card has a full list of common triggers and simple steps for you on the front, with a picture activity on the back so your child can show how angry each one makes them feel. Pair it with the Calm Corner card to give them a safe place to cool down. Both are among 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
5 tips to avoid angry outbursts in dyslexic kids
Get advice from a dyslexic mum on how she helped her child manage her anger:
“My child showed signs of dyslexia early on. I noticed this before she started school and before she could read or write. She often felt frustrated and anxious in new situations, which led to angry outbursts. We found that encouraging her to talk about her feelings helped her manage her anger better.”
Watch the ‘How to help dyslexic kids with anger’ video below:
When you talk about anger with your child, keep these 5 tips in mind:
- Avoid blaming your child. Don’t scold them or make them feel bad about their anger. The feeling is OK; it’s what they do with it that matters.
- Talk about anger. What triggers their anger? How does it feel in their body?
- Lead by example. Show how you handle anger and tough situations.
- Find solutions. If homework causes anger because they’re tired, try doing it at a different time, or ask the teacher about reducing it.
- Ask for help early. Encourage your child to ask an adult for help when they feel stressed or stuck, before anger builds up.
For more tips on children’s behavior, see the NHS advice for parents.
Could it be something more?
Lots of children have angry outbursts, especially when they’re tired or struggling at school. But if outbursts are frequent, very intense or happening everywhere, it may be worth looking more closely:
- Worry and fear can show up as anger. Read about anxiety in kids and try the 3-3-3 rule for anxiety.
- Acting before thinking and big reactions can be signs of ADHD. Read about the 3 types of ADHD.
- Meltdowns after changes, noise or busy places can be a sign of autism. Read what autism is.
If you’re worried, talk to your child’s teacher or doctor.
Is worry behind your child’s anger?
The Mooki Cards: Anxiety deck has ten-minute calming activities for you and your child, with ready-made steps on the front and a picture activity on the back.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in at home or school
Helpful articles
- Building confidence in a dyslexic child
- Use a reward chart to motivate and praise your child
- Give helpful, fact-based praise
- How to get dyslexia help from school
The bottom line
Angry outbursts in dyslexic children often come from frustration, stress and feeling different. Spot the triggers, talk about them calmly, and make a plan together. The Mooki Cards deck has 56 ten-minute activities, including Anger Triggers and Calm Corner, to help your child manage big feelings.