Why kids in fourth grade often get angry

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  • Quick tip 1

    Use a quiet voice.

    Turn down the temperature by staying calm and not getting angry yourself. Speak in a steady, almost monotone voice.

  • Quick tip 2

    Show empathy.

    Say, “I can see you’re angry, and I know you don’t mean to lose your temper. Can you tell me what’s upsetting you?” 

  • Quick tip 3

    Model self-control.

    Show ways to deal with anger, like taking a break to calm down. Tell kids when you’re frustrated and how you handle that feeling.

Kids can go through periods of being angry at any age and for many different reasons. But fourth grade is a common time for temper flare-ups. You may see anger in kids who didn’t show it before. Or more anger in kids who were already prone to it. 

What is it about fourth grade that brings out anger issues? For many kids, it’s frustration over school. 

In fourth grade, school becomes more demanding. All subjects get much harder. Teaching changes. Kids who were doing fine may suddenly have trouble keeping up, and not know why. 

Friendships and socializing also get more complicated. Kids who have trouble with social skills or who are different in some way may be bullied or left out for the first time.

Ongoing frustration and pressure can lead to anger. And kids may not always have the self-control to keep their temper in check. That’s especially true of kids with ADHD.

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