11yo controlling his temper

[millimat]

Not sure where to post this so thought I'd try here.
DS is in year 6. I know they've been under enormous pressure with sats so have tried to give some leeway.
At school his behaviour is impeccable. However, he can't take criticism and will blow up when home if anything slightly critical is said. Things escalate very quickly into a full blown temper tantrum for want of a better description. He then really struggles to calm himself down. Sometimes he gets so angry that he starts hitting himself.
He tells me that something in his head just takes over and he can't control his emotions.
I'm really concerned about his mental health. Any suggestions?

[GreenTulips]

Did you watch A Doctor who gave up medicine last night?

It was quite interesting and something I've thought for a long time!

This was based on mindfulness but I think yoga would work as well.

Have a look

[Damia]

Some people like to do physical things to destress like hit a punch bag or jog. Some like to lie in a bath full of bubbles or read. He needs to find what's right for him without hurting himself

[MnerXX]

My son (6) struggles to control his temper. He is learning to play the guitar at school, which gives some one to one time out of the classroom every week. When things do get too much, he does use the he guitar now sometimes to calm himself down.

Also our GP recommended the book ‘what to do when your temper flares’. DS is a bit young for it at the moment but it has some good exercises you can work through with him

[MnerXX]

PS if you get the book, the GP said don’t feel you have to read the whole thing at once. Just take it in stages of what he can manage

[AuntyElle]

Thanks, MnerXX, that looks good, have just ordered it myself.

What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems with Anger (What-to-Do Guides for Kids (R)) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1433801345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sbMbBb5CBV19Y?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[millimat]

Thanks everyone. I didn't watch that programme - the irony is that I wanted to, but then he kicked off!
I may get that book - thanks for link.