A short write-up on anger issues faced by teenagers written by our student Nandini Sisodia.

Nandini is 10 years old young orator from Mumbai. We are proud to have her as a student of Little Kathakar Program, an Online Public Speaking through Applied Storytelling & Theatre Program under the mentorship of Trainer Khusshbo Chokhaani. We congratulate Nandini for this exemplary true self-expression.

Preteen & Teen Anger

We live in a hurry, worry and curry life. We are always in a hurry to catch the flight, always worrying whether we will be able to catch the flight or not, and in between, we eat loads of curry and create a belly. Funny right? Hello everyone, I am Nandini Sisodia and I have found out in my preliminary research of this speech that most parents of preteens,10 -18 years old, are just worried about one thing. Why do their children get angry so easily?

Short temperament, losing calm easily, and piled-up anger is a common phenomena these days in teenagers and preteens especially. Early symptoms are evident in your preteens period. Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. This someone can be the preteen himself. Preteens get angry very easily because of various reasons.

1. Puberty is one of them. It is a time of rapid physical growth and extensive brain development. These rapid changes can lead to an increase in preteen aggression, angry behavior, and mood swings. For example, they can be excitedly discussing a new video game one moment and then get angry the next because you commented on their hair. Preteens and Teens require an ear to be heard at this tensile phase of their life. This can give them a space for self-expression and to respond to their emotions well. Continuously talking to your preteen and teenager in a positive way is the only solution to make them feel supported. How many of you have created a supportive environment at home?

The second rising reason for preteen and teenager anger is the rising incidents of bullying. Today bullying is happening everywhere from simple acts of commenting on someone’s appearance like “hey fatty liver” or extreme forms of bullying like throwing mud on an obese teen while walking. In fact, one study finds that the consequences of bullying and unexpressed anger can lead to depression, cancer, and anxiety even 40 years after the bullying occurred. For example, if somebody bullied a preteen, at that time the preteen will tolerate it, but after coming home his unexpressed anger, and frustration will make him depressed and angrier. The worst part is 99% of the time a preteen or teen is bullied by his peer preteen or teen. That is why teens and preteens need friends in our parents, we need our counselors and security in our teachers.

This brings me to my 3rd reason which is peer pressure. The need to fit in, low self-esteem, fear of rejection, and the need to feel safe and secure from peers. For example- Competition in securing high marks during examinations to using the latest smartwatch all could be daunting for preteens. The effects of peer pressure can be negative and also have the worst outcomes from social withdrawal to losing self-confidence completely. A grounded environment in school and at home is the only solution. Parents and teachers need to promote and implement in their life first the principles of minimalism, mindfulness, steady growth, and giving 100% in all tasks without worrying about the result (principle of bhagwat gita).

Parents & Teachers, do you follow these principles?

Kids don’t enjoy feeling angry or having angry outbursts. Often, they are reacting to frustration and an inability to manage their own big feelings. Helping your child learn to respond appropriately to anger and other negative emotions will have a positive impact on their life at home and at school. If you’re struggling, ask your child’s pediatrician or school counselor for help. To conclude,

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