Seven year old with behavior problem

[sadie399]

I'm just looking for a little guidance, my seven year old son is for the most part a very good kid. He's exactly that a kid. However, he has a bit of an anger issue. When he gets upset he completely shuts down.He used to be alot worse, throwing toys and scratching other people. He has gotten alot better but in some ways he still needs help. Some of the things that set him off are very little things. For instance, over the weekend we were playing outside and the kids (he has two step siblings) were having a snow ball fight. Well at first it started out fine, but after he was hit a few times you could see the look of anger go completely across his face, so he started throwing the snowballs upset. Everybody was just trying to have fun, and he got completely enraged. So I told him that if he couldn't play nice then he could just go inside. So then he got even more mad and dropped to the ground having a fit. I started to walk towards him and he got up. I am pregnant and didn't want to slip on the snow and fall and I can't pick him up otherwise I would have whipped him right there. Anyway he got up and ran to the house. I let him go on and be by himself for a while then I went in and talked to him about being angry. He seemed to understand but I'm not sure if he really gets it. His father flys off the handle for little stuff too. I am concerned that this is maybe something he's gotten from his father. I guess what I'm asking is should I go ahead and have him see a counselor or make sure I'm disciplining him better?

[Sandman2]

   I agree with Annie.  Also, kids do need to be taught how to handle their anger.  There are a couple sets of books aimed at this age group.  One is, " How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger" (Laugh And Learn). That and several more are found here - http://www.amazon.com/Take-Grrrr-Anger-Laugh-Learn/dp/1575421178/ref=pd_sim_b_7
          Another good set is the," Don't Rant and Rave on Wednesdays!" The Children's Anger-Control Book. That and others in the set are found here - http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Rant-Rave-Wednesdays-Anger-Control/dp/0933849540/ref=pd_sim_b_1
          

[AnnieBrooke]

It doesn't sound like you need better ways to "disciplne" him if you mean in the narrow sense such as when you say "I can't pick him up otherwise I would have whipped him right there."  Corporal punishment does not teach a child self-discipline or ways to calm himself, all it does it role-model to him that the way to handle anger is by physically lashing out.  Yes, talk to a counselor, and go over some of the issues you are having.  You will find out what's normal and what's not, and can get good tips for what to do to address the issues.