My Anger Volcano (Kids)
An illustrated child anger worksheet showing a four-level volcano (calm to erupting), with fillable boxes for feelings and helpers at each level and a triggers prompt.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Anger · Emotion regulation
- Approach / concern
- For Kids
- Technique
- Anger · Emotion regulation
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Anger Volcano (Kids)?
The anger volcano is a popular child-friendly metaphor for how anger builds. Mapping body signals and coping strategies at each level helps children notice anger early and use calming skills before an outburst.
Why it works
Cognitive-behavioural interventions for anger in children and adolescents show medium effect sizes (Sukhodolsky et al., 2004). Recognizing body cues and practising coping skills are core components of child CBT (Kendall & Hedtke, 2006).
When to use it
- Children aged about 5-11 with anger outbursts
- School counselling
- Parent coaching
- Classroom social-emotional learning
How to use it in session
- Explain the volcano metaphor.
- Describe feelings at each level together.
- Choose helpers for lower levels especially.
- Identify triggers.
- Practise helpers when calm.
Clinician tips
- Focus on catching anger at levels 2-3.
- Praise noticing, not just calming down.
- Adults co-regulating calmly is key.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the anger volcano for?
Most children aged 5-11, with adult support.
What if my child erupts anyway?
Keep everyone safe, stay calm, and review the volcano together later without blame.
References
Sukhodolsky, D. G., Kassinove, H., & Gorman, B. S. (2004). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 9(3), 247-269.
Kendall, P. C., & Hedtke, K. A. (2006). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxious children: Therapist manual (3rd ed.). Workbook Publishing.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
