Boys Struggling with Anger

Our Boys Home Wants to Help Troubled Teens With Anger Problems

Something happens, something deceptive you cannot put your finger on. Slowly, your “usually kind” boy–the little boy who loved to be tickled and play with you–may roll his eyes at a conversation and leave you, especially in public. He starts to internalize his deepest thoughts and dreams alone, rather than share with you. He becomes obsessed with gaming, friends, and even girls. He may drop out of soccer, football or basketball, quit the youth group, and declare that his best friends are his family, not you! 

As hormonal changes begin, his anger can make him avoid family dinner conversations and insist he wants to eat in his room. He never wants to have a night at home with mom and dad or spend time with his siblings. It’s hard not to ask yourself where you may have gone wrong. You are not alone in this quest. Although some rebellion is normal, there is no excuse for outright anger towards you and his siblings. 

The Downward Spiral of Anger in Teen Boys

For teen boys, becoming a man, and proving manhood to his friends for respect can cause rash decisions and poor choices. This downward cycle becomes a vacuum that some boys find difficult to escape. Because this situation is truly not who the teen boy is, he becomes even more angry and frustrated, setting off anger and potential aggravation that can turn into violence if escalated.

Does your teen tend to yell and scream or say hurtful, mean, disrespectful things? Do they throw things, kick or punch walls, break stuff? Hit someone, hurt themself, or push and shove others around?

For most people who have trouble harnessing a hot temper, reacting like this is not what they want. They feel ashamed by their behavior and don’t think it reflects the real them–their best selves. Managing anger is about developing new skills and new responses. As with any skill, like playing basketball or learning the piano, it helps to practice over and over again.

When to Ask for Extra Help

Sometimes anger is a sign that more is going on. People who have frequent trouble with anger, who get in fights or arguments, who get punished, who have life situations that give them reason to be angry, may need special help to get their anger under control.

Here are some signs that your teen may need help in dealing with their anger:

• They have a lasting feeling of anger over things that have either happened to them in the past, or are going on now.
• Irritable, grumpy, or in a bad mood more often than not.
• Consistently angry or raging at themself.
• Anger that lasts for days, or makes them want to hurt themself or someone else.
• Often in fights or arguments.

Anger is a strong emotion. It can feel overwhelming at times. Learning how to deal with strong emotions — without losing control — is part of our boys home at Triangle Cross.

Triangle Cross Ranch Offers Teen Boys a Life-Changing Experience

Find out how our approach to “Reality Therapy” can hep your at-risk teen boy at Triangle Cross Ranch. Our experienced, caring and committed staff provides strong academic support as well as trade school education classes on-site. Here on our remote, 50,000-acre working cattle ranch and boys home, located in Wyoming near Yellowstone National Park, troubled teen boys received the individualized care and attention that they need.  It’s truly a life-changing experience! Please call (307) 645-3322 to learn more. Our boys home is here to help.