Activities to manage angry outbursts for toddlers

Kids 8–12 · Activities · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What activities help toddlers calm down when angry?

One of the most effective ways to help toddlers calm down during angry outbursts is through deep breathing exercises with bubbles. This activity encourages toddlers to slow their breathing and focus their attention on something calming. To do this, you’ll need a bubble wand and bubble solution. Here are the steps:

1. Invite the toddler to blow gently on the bubble wand.
2. Encourage them to take a deep breath in and blow slowly to create bubbles.
3. Watch the bubbles float away, helping the child focus outside their anger.
4. Repeat several times until the child seems calmer.

This activity fits toddlers aged 2 to 4 years, lasts about 5 to 10 minutes, and builds self-regulation and mindfulness skills. After the activity, gently ask, “How do you feel now? Were you angry before blowing bubbles? What happened to your feelings when you blew the bubbles?” This encourages toddlers to connect their actions to emotional changes.

At home, parents can make this a quiet corner activity. In classrooms, teachers can offer it as a calming break for one child or a small group. This simple technique helps toddlers learn to pause and regulate their feelings.

How can sensory play reduce angry outbursts in toddlers?

Sensory play uses touch and movement to help toddlers calm down and manage anger. Materials like kinetic sand, water beads, or textured fabrics can engage a toddler’s senses and distract from anger triggers. For example, playing with soft clay or squishing putty for 10-15 minutes gives a physical outlet for frustration.

Here’s how to set up a sensory play activity:

• Choose a safe sensory material (clay, rice, water beads).
• Provide a container or tray to contain mess.
• Let the toddler explore textures with their hands.
• Encourage describing what they feel (“Squishy,” “Soft,” “Cold”).

This activity suits toddlers 18 months to 3 years and builds emotional regulation and fine motor skills. After play, ask questions like, “What did you like about playing with the clay? Did it help you feel better?” This reinforces positive sensory experiences linked to calming.

Parents can create sensory bins at home with household items, while teachers can set up sensory stations for quiet time or after conflict moments.

What is the "anger thermometer" activity for toddlers and how does it work?

The anger thermometer helps toddlers recognize how angry they feel and learn when to use calming skills. You’ll need a simple picture of a thermometer with colors from green (calm) to red (very angry). The toddler points or places a marker on the color matching their feelings.

Step-by-step:

1. Show the toddler the thermometer and explain colors: “Green means calm, yellow means a little angry, red means very angry.”
2. Ask the child where they feel their anger on the thermometer.
3. Help them name the feeling: “You’re on red! Let’s try some deep breaths to move down to green.”
4. Practice moving from red to green with calming activities.

This fits toddlers 2-5 years old, takes 5-10 minutes, and teaches emotional awareness and vocabulary. After use, discuss: “What helped you cool down? How did your body feel when you were red vs green?”

At home, parents can use a magnetized thermometer on the fridge for daily checks. In classrooms, a large poster thermometer can be a visual tool for the whole class to express feelings.

How does storytelling help toddlers express and manage anger?

Storytelling about characters experiencing anger teaches toddlers empathy and coping strategies. Choose books or make up simple stories featuring a character who feels angry and finds a peaceful way to calm down.

Example story prompt: “Once, a little bear felt very mad because his friend took his toy. The bear took a deep breath and then asked nicely for the toy back.”

After telling the story, ask questions like:

• “How did the bear feel?”
• “What did the bear do to feel better?”
• “What can you do when you feel mad like the bear?”

This activity suits toddlers 2-5 years, takes 10-15 minutes, and builds empathy, emotional vocabulary, and problem-solving.

At home, parents can read children’s books about feelings or create their own stories. Teachers can use puppets or group storytime to model healthy anger expression.

What is a "calm down jar" and how can toddlers use it?

A calm down jar is a homemade sensory tool that helps toddlers visualize calming down. It’s a clear jar filled with water, glue, and glitter. When shaken, the glitter swirls and slowly settles, helping the child focus and breathe deeply.

How to make and use it:

• Fill a clear jar 3/4 full with water.
• Add white glue or clear glue to thicken the water.
• Add glitter or confetti.
• Seal the jar tightly.

When a toddler feels angry, encourage them to shake the jar and watch the glitter as it settles. Ask them to breathe slowly while watching. This activity fits 2-4-year-olds, takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and can be used for several minutes during outbursts.

Afterward, say, “Did watching the glitter help you feel better? What did you notice about your breathing?” This helps toddlers link visual calming with emotional control.

Parents can make jars at home; teachers can keep one in a calm-down corner.

How can movement activities help toddlers manage anger?

Physical activity helps toddlers release built-up anger safely and improve mood. Examples include:

• Jumping jacks
• Stomping feet
• Running in place
• Dancing to music

Try this simple “Angry Dance” routine:

1. Play upbeat music.
2. Encourage the toddler to stomp, jump, or move like a strong animal for 3-5 minutes.
3. After movement, sit or lie down quietly and take deep breaths.

These activities suit ages 2-5, require no materials, and provide quick emotional release. Afterward, ask, “How does your body feel now? Are your angry feelings smaller?”

At home, parents can create a small dance party during frustration. In classrooms, teachers can lead a “shake it out” break for the group.

How can teaching toddlers to use words reduce angry outbursts?

Toddlers often get angry because they can’t express their feelings with words. Teaching simple, clear phrases gives them tools to communicate before frustration builds.

Use emotion cards or pictures showing faces with words like “mad,” “sad,” or “help.” Practice these phrases daily, for example:

• “I’m mad.”
• “I need help.”
• “Stop!”

Steps to teach:

1. Show the card or say the phrase.
2. Repeat it with the toddler several times.
3. Encourage the toddler to use the phrase during moments of frustration.

This fits toddlers 18 months to 4 years and takes 5-10 minutes daily. It builds communication and emotional literacy.

After practice, prompt the child: “Can you tell me when you feel mad? What words can you use?” At home, parents can model these phrases regularly. Teachers can integrate emotion words into daily routines and circle time.

How do "quiet corners" or "calm spaces" help toddlers manage anger?

Quiet corners provide a safe place where toddlers can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. Fill the space with soft pillows, stuffed animals, calming books, or sensory toys. When a toddler feels angry or upset:

1. Gently suggest, “Would you like to take a break in the calm corner?”
2. Allow the child to go there independently or with a trusted adult’s support.
3. Encourage the use of calming tools like breathing or sensory toys.
4. Check in after a few minutes with, “How do you feel now? What helped you calm down?”

Quiet corners teach toddlers self-soothing and emotional control. Suitable for ages 2-5, they require ongoing setup and maintenance.

Parents can create one in a bedroom or playroom. Teachers can designate a classroom calm area for breaks.

How does role-playing help toddlers handle anger?

Role-playing helps toddlers practice anger responses in a safe, controlled way. Adults act out scenarios where a child might feel angry, then show healthy ways to respond, such as:

• Taking deep breaths
• Using words to ask for help
• Walking away calmly

Steps for role-play:

1. Describe a simple situation, e.g., “What if your friend won’t share a toy?”
2. Model calm responses using puppets or acting.
3. Invite the toddler to try the calm response.
4. Praise their effort and talk about how it felt.

Role-playing suits toddlers 3-5 years old, takes 10-15 minutes, and builds emotional regulation and social skills.

Parents can practice during playtime at home. Teachers can include role-play in small groups or circle time.

How can parents and teachers adapt these activities for home vs classroom?

Both environments benefit from consistent routines and supportive language about anger management. Flexibility helps toddlers use tools comfortably in any setting.

Frequently asked questions

How often should these angry outburst activities be practiced with toddlers?

Regular practice, ideally daily or several times a week, helps toddlers build emotional skills. Short, calm moments are perfect for practicing so toddlers recognize and use these tools during anger.

Can these activities help toddlers with frequent severe tantrums?

They can reduce tantrums by teaching self-regulation, but if tantrums are very intense or last long, consulting a pediatrician or child therapist is advisable for specialized support.

How can I tell if my toddler’s angry outbursts are typical or a concern?

Typical outbursts are brief and part of learning emotions. If outbursts cause harm or last excessively, talk to a healthcare provider for advice.

What if my toddler refuses to do calming activities when angry?

Offer choices gently and practice activities when the child is calm. Over time, toddlers will learn to use these tools willingly.

Are there tools to track my toddler’s anger management progress?

Simple mood charts or reward stickers can motivate toddlers and help parents track triggers and improvements.

Can older siblings help toddlers with anger management?

Yes, older siblings can model calm behavior and participate in activities like storytelling or role-play, supporting the toddler’s learning.