What to Do When Your Temper Flares

American Psychological Association (APA)
American Psychological Association (APA)May 8, 2026

Why It Matters

Effective early anger‑management tools reduce behavioral issues and improve long‑term mental health, offering parents and educators a proven, interactive framework.

Key Takeaways

  • Interactive book teaches anger management through drawing and quizzes.
  • Uses fire analogy to help kids visualize hot versus cool thoughts.
  • Quizzes reveal anger harms self and others, prompting motivation.
  • Cool‑thought exercises replace automatic angry reactions with constructive self‑talk.
  • Second edition updates proven approach for 6‑12‑year‑olds worldwide.

Summary

Dr. Dawn Huebner, a psychologist and parent coach, introduces the second edition of “What to Do When Your Temper Flares,” a child‑focused guide designed for ages six to twelve to manage anger. The book serves both children and supportive adults, functioning as a standalone resource or a therapy supplement.

The updated edition leans heavily on interactive elements—drawing a fire to symbolize hot emotions, quizzes that expose how anger hurts the child and others, and skill‑building exercises that teach “cool thoughts” to counter automatic angry reactions. Scenarios such as striking out in baseball or being served broccoli prompt kids to write down their hot thoughts and then replace them with calmer, constructive self‑talk.

Huebner emphasizes motivation: quizzes ask whether anger ever helped the child achieve a goal, revealing its limited utility and encouraging personal responsibility for change. The fire analogy and hands‑on activities personalize learning, helping children internalize strategies they can deploy in real‑time.

By combining education, motivation, and empowerment, the book aims to reduce out‑of‑control temper episodes, supporting parents, teachers, and clinicians in fostering healthier emotional regulation for a generation of children worldwide.

Original Description

This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to work toward change. Learn more at https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/what-to-do-when-your-temper-flares-second-edition
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