How Can This Book Help Children Manage Anger?

Every child experiences anger—but learning to manage it can be a challenge. A Volcano in My Tummy offers a compassionate guide for parents and educators, helping children transform explosive moments into opportunities for growth. The book frames anger as a natural emotion that can be channelled positively, using the metaphor of a volcano to help kids understand the rumbling, heat, and eruption. Activities like drawing a volcano or practising breathing exercises give children concrete tools to use when they feel overwhelmed. One exercise invites them to create a 'volcano board'—a visual chart to track anger levels and choose calming strategies. Role-playing scenarios build assertive communication without aggression. The book also emphasizes adult involvement: when grown-ups validate feelings and calmly guide solutions, children learn that anger doesn't have to be destructive. While not a substitute for professional therapy, this resource is an excellent first step for fostering emotional intelligence at home or school.

What You'll Learn

• How to identify early warning signs of anger in children
• Practical strategies for de-escalating angry outbursts
• Creative activities that help children express feelings without aggression
• Ways to talk with children about anger in age-appropriate language
• How to create a calm-down plan that works for your child or classroom
• Approaches for teaching empathy and conflict resolution skills
• How to model healthy anger management as an adult

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is designed for parents, early childhood and elementary educators, school counsellors, therapists, and anyone working with children aged 4 to 12. The activities integrate easily into social-emotional learning curricula or individual sessions. Coaches, youth leaders, and camp counsellors will also find the non-punitive techniques useful. While older children may engage with the concepts when presented thoughtfully, the primary audience is adults supporting children's emotional growth.

About the Authors

Eliane Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney are experienced educators and counsellors specializing in child development and emotional well-being. Their combined expertise in psychology and teaching provides a grounded, empathetic perspective on anger. Drawing on years of work with children and families, they offer practical advice that reflects a deep understanding of the challenges both children and adults face. This book emerges from their commitment to helping children build emotional resilience.

What Makes This Book Special?

This book stands out by treating anger not as something to be feared or punished, but as a natural human emotion that can be directed positively. The vivid volcano metaphor helps children grasp their own feelings. Through engaging stories and hands-on activities, kids learn to recognize physical signs of anger and practise calming strategies before they erupt. The structure is flexible: read cover to cover or dip into specific chapters. Each chapter includes discussion questions, creative exercises, and real-life scenarios that make lessons relatable. The authors avoid jargon and speak directly to adults and children. The paperback measures approximately 21.6 x 27.9 cm and weighs about 227 g, making it sturdy and portable for home or classroom.

Overview

Anger is a powerful emotion, and for children, it can feel like a volcano erupting inside. A Volcano in My Tummy: Helping Children to Handle Anger offers a compassionate and practical approach to understanding and managing this fiery feeling. Written by Eliane Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney, this book provides parents, teachers, and caregivers with a toolbox of stories, activities, and discussions designed to help children express anger in healthy, constructive ways. Rather than suppressing or ignoring anger, the book explores how to honor the emotion while guiding children toward self-control and problem-solving. Whether you're a parent navigating tantrums or a teacher managing classroom conflicts, this resource equips you with child-friendly techniques that turn explosive moments into opportunities for growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for all children?
Yes, the concepts are adaptable for children ages 4 to 12, with activities that can be modified for different developmental stages.

Can teachers use this in the classroom?
Absolutely. The book includes group activities and discussion prompts that align well with social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks.

Does the book replace professional counselling?
No. While it offers supportive strategies, it is not a substitute for professional help if a child has serious anger issues or underlying trauma. Always consult a licensed mental health provider for clinical concerns.

How long does it take to work through the book?
It's flexible—you can focus on one chapter per week or use specific exercises as needed. The goal is consistent practice, not speed.

Disclaimer: This book is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or psychological advice.