Traffic Light Method To Control Anger
The traffic light method for controlling anger is a tool for children aged 4-10 years to help them cope with their emotions. Children at that age are able to identify basic emotions, but they have trouble dealing with them properly. The traffic light method uses a recognizable symbol, the classic traffic light, to teach children how to deal with emotions, especially negative ones.
Most children understand exactly how a traffic light works because they see them every day, making it an ideal symbol of emotional control. Red means stop, yellow means wait and green means go.
Why use the traffic light method to control anger?
If you use the colors of the traffic lights on children’s anger, they will learn to deal with their emotions as if it were a game.
That said, ask yourself how you can get a child to connect their emotions with a traffic light. To use the traffic light method, you must first teach children to associate the traffic light colors with emotions and behaviors. In this article, we explain the function and response of each color.
Emotional self-regulation
Why is it so important for children to deal with their emotions? Laura Chica, a psychologist and lifestyle counselor, believes that it is important to teach children emotional control and encourage self-awareness. She believes that they need to learn to identify their own feelings and how to react to them. In the same way, they must learn that their reactions will vary depending on the mood and that they have the power to choose the right reaction for each situation.
A study conducted by Pamela M. Cole in 2009 underscores the importance of emotional self-regulation for young people to prevent more serious disorders later in life. Therefore, we take the time to highlight the traffic light method to control anger. It is a great example of a technique that can help children learn to control their emotions.
A team at the Duke University Department of Psychology and Neuroscience also highlights the importance of emotional self-regulation for proper development. According to the study, people who do not learn these skills as children risk later getting health conditions.
Traffic light method to control anger – What do the three colors mean?
Red
STOP, calm down. When you can not control an emotion, especially anger, you have to stop just like when you stop at a red light at an intersection. If you feel overwhelmed by anger, take a break and think about what is happening to you.
Yellow
THINK and reflect on the problem and how you feel. “How am I feeling right now?”, “Am I angry?” or “Do I feel sad?”. Ask the child to think of all possible alternative answers and the consequences of the situation. What is the most appropriate response? What is the solution that provides the most benefits?
Green
ACT, solve the problem. When the child thinks of the possible answers, they choose the best option. Then they do it to solve the problem they have. Strengthening the positive answers is important for the learning process. According to Skinner’s reinforcement theory, positive reinforcement helps the child feel that their efforts are valid and noticed. It encourages them to perform the same patterns of behavior in the future.
We can conclude that emotional regulation is a basic skill to convey to children. Adults must make sure to give their children tools to cope with emotions such as anger, fear and frustration. Given how important this skill is, it’s great that there are tools like the traffic light method that help children learn in a fun and accessible way.
