Book Review: How to be Angry

An Assertive Anger Expression Group
Guide for Kids and Teens

(Published 2011) 216 Pages

Author:  Signe Whitson

Anger is a normal human emotion.  The book, How to Be Angry by Signe Whitson, is an effective workbook that will empower parents, school crisis counselors, and mental health workers with the needed tools to teach younger children and teens how to assertively express their anger.  Frankly, as an adult you too will recognize yourself in some of the real-life scenarios mentioned in the book.

Why is this book so practical?

Life is full of challenges whether you are an adult or a child.  With the increased reports of bullying and violence in our schools, it is apparent that our children may be lacking the needed skills to cope with their emotions and feelings, including anger.  The following list covers some of the points of discussion in the book you may find helpful when dealing with anger:

  • identify life triggers vs. personal triggers
  • identify the four major styles of anger expression
  • discusses self-defeating patterns
  • gives guidelines for assertive self-expression (very practical)
  • gives guidelines on identifying and responding assertively
    to bullies
  • helps your child learn how to say “no” when appropriate

Who may want to read  How to Be Angry and use it?

How to Be Angry is a fifteen-session workbook that counselors and teachers can use in smaller groups of children and teens.  Each session includes materials to be used along with specific instructions, subject of discussion, games, and targeted conclusions.  Age-appropriate suggestions are also broken down for the counselor.  Although the book is very specific in guidelines, it does allow for creativity and flexibility both for the instructor and the student.

How to Be Angry is a must read for all parents.  Each session includes a section entitled “Notes for Parents.”  Although most of the sessions are geared to a group format, any parent can easily incorporate the great information in this book into their daily family routine.  Help your child to learn the meaning of “too powerful to provoke.”  Help your child to identify a bully and how to assertively respond.  Patterns of how to handle anger are established early in childhood.  How to Be Angry will help you to identify the four major styles of expressing anger.  With an open dialogue within the family you can help your son or daughter express themselves in a healthy and positive manner that will also respect the rights and needs of others.

Conclusion:   Much pain and unhappiness can be avoided when anger is expressed appropriately with respect to others and their needs.   However, dire consequences can and do occur when anger is aggressively expressed or hidden.  This book will help you to identify the skills necessary to help those you love and those you may work with on a professional level to handle their anger.  As a bonus, you may even find some “eye-openers” into your own behavior.

Great job of writing to the author,  Signe Whitson. You can purchase this book on Amazon Here.

Reviewer’s Disclaimer:   How to Be Angry was a complimentary copy I used for this review.  It is now part of my personal library. I received no monetary compensation from the author or publisher that influenced this review.

10 thoughts on “Book Review: How to be Angry”

  1. Rene, I agree. Helping our children cope with anger in a healthy manner now can bring many more happy moments in adulthood. Many of the tips in the book are easy to integrate into your family routine. Thanks for commenting.

  2. It doesn’t matter whom we are, we all come to the world like a black shit of paper, nobody knows how to do things, we all make during life many mistakes, so, why shouldn’t we read this book?, it’s going to help us learn how to get back the control, and teach children’s how to express their anger, turning us into better parents, friends and teachers, I think this is a priceless book, remember that our Childs are the future of tomorrow, so protect it, love it, turn it into a brighter one.

  3. We experience a wide range of emotions, anger being one of the. I think there truly is a way to be angry without being hurtful…I’d love to read this book to help my children handle their emotions in a positive manner

    1. Caryn, you are so right…Anger is a human emotion. With some guidance and insight it can mean the difference between a person or child being happy with thriving relationships or life spotted with unhappiness. You’ll love the book.

    1. Nikki, I know the book will give you some great ideas and suggestions. The Parents section was loaded with ideas and practical daily applications.

    1. Amanda, I totally agree. What a great idea. The suggestions can be customized to the child with room for creativity on the part of the instructor.

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