Reading the news or scanning social media, you're likely to think the world has gone mad in many aspects. It seems as if more and more people can't control themselves, even over seemingly small things like a parking space or the last bunch of bananas in the produce section. As much as you may have come to expect this fly-off-the-handle behavior somewhere else, when it happens in your own home you feel devastated; when it's your own child having senseless bursts of uncontrolled anger, your entire world is turned completely upside down.

No matter what age your child is or what's setting off their temper, you have to act firmly and decisively, and you have to act right away. 

Let Your Unconditional Terms Of No Violence Be Made Perfectly Clear

Sometimes parents set boundaries that aren't enforced every time and this inconsistency confuses a child. Is it okay to yell at you? Does your child get in trouble for throwing something near you, but not hitting you? If you know they're having a hard day, do you give them extra leeway? Perhaps when you are tired you simply give up on your usual rules, allowing your child to take a step further with their anger and intimidation.

You must set unconditional terms that are never to be disrespected, ever -- even when you're exhausted and out of energy, and even when your child is having a really hard time with school, friends, or elsewhere in life. Set the rules and do not accept or make any excuses for them not to be followed.

Enforce Whatever Punishment You've Promised

Breaking your rules should have immediate and previously-defined consequences. Here, too, you must always be consistent, lest your child think that they can sometimes get away with losing their cool on you. It's a good idea to have levels of punishment that fit various levels of infractions, but keep it simple. Particularly if your child begins a major meltdown with yelling and usually escalates it from there, provide an instant consequence. If your child's anger and action get worse, so should the punishment.

Contact A Child Therapist Immediately

Although tempers, tantrums, and hormones typically rage through some children, it's not typical for them to lash out in acts of violence against a parent. In such cases it's in everyone's best interests to involve a professional therapist immediately. Regardless of what you feel are the reasons behind your child's actions, there's no acceptable excuse and trying to manage it all yourself isn't apt to succeed. Tell your child that going to counseling is mandatory, tell them you'll participate as much as you need to, but that nothing will stop you from getting the help you need to redirect the anger and put an end to the tendency toward violence.

Seek Your Own System Of Support

Beyond soliciting the help of a child therapist, you need your own outlet, too. Just having a friend to talk to can help; however, a support group of parents going through similar situations is far more beneficial. Especially if you have experienced violence before, such as from a parent when you were growing up or a partner in an adult relationship, you may be inclined toward shame, denial, or guilt, none of which will work in the current climate of volatility and unpredictability. 

Under no circumstances is it okay for your child to direct violent tendencies towards you. Unfortunately, children who are permitted to lash out at whomever is closest when they're angry often learn to continue this behavior outside of the home, leading to arrests, failed relationships, and serious unhappiness. Address this serious issue quickly and involve children's therapy professionals to do so; hopefully, your child will learn to respect you as they should, and to control themselves as they desperately need to.