Understanding Anger and Healthy Relationships: Liam's Story

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• PSHE
• Special Education

Understanding Anger and Healthy Relationships

What do you already know about recognising healthy and unhealthy behaviour?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours, describe consequences of actions, classify different types of abuse, and list sources of support.

Meet Liam

Liam is a teenager facing lots of pressure on and off the football pitch. He lost his dad and often feels angry or stressed.

What is Anger?

Anger is a normal emotion, but how we handle it can be healthy or unhealthy. Everyone feels angry sometimes for different reasons.

The Anger Iceberg

Liam’s anger shows on the surface but lots of emotions and events are hidden underneath. Let's explore what leads to his anger.

Visible vs Hidden Emotions

Visible (Top of Iceberg)

Sadness, grief, stress, tiredness, pressure, feeling alone.

Hidden (Underwater)

Yelling, punching, arguing, hitting walls.

Why is Liam Angry?

His dad died, he must care for his brother, moved to a cramped flat, struggles at school, and feels overwhelmed.

Anger at Football

Liam often loses his temper during matches. This affects his team and his dreams.

Impact at Home

Liam's anger sometimes hurts his mum and younger brother. This can make home life difficult and unsafe.

Consequences of Anger

Hurting family, family stress, risk of losing trust, unsafe environment.

Red cards, suspension, letting down his team, ruining chances for a future career.

On the Pitch

At Home

Unhealthy Behaviours

Lashing out, hurting others, damaging property — all are signs Liam needs help.

Healthy Behaviours

Talking about feelings, asking for help, setting boundaries and using safe ways to calm down.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is when someone hurts another person with words or actions, physically or emotionally. Assault is a crime.

Types of Abuse

Hitting, kicking, pushing or hurting someone physically.

Emotional Abuse

Physical Abuse

Shouting, threatening or making someone feel worthless.

Who Gets Hurt?

Liam’s actions affect his family, his teammates, his friends, and himself. Unhealthy behaviours hurt everyone involved.

How Can Friends Help?

Friends can listen, stay calm, show kindness, and encourage getting adult help or talking to a trusted person.

Setting Boundaries

It’s okay to say what feels safe for you. You don’t have to accept being hurt by others.

Where Can Liam Get Support?

Liam can talk to family, teachers, school counsellors, or contact groups like Childline for help and advice.

Looking After Yourself

Supporting someone else can be hard. Make sure you look after your own wellbeing, too.

Now I would like you to access your assignment set for today and complete the tasks in the booklet.

Key Takeaways

Anger is normal, but it should not hurt others. There are healthy ways to deal with feelings and to get help if needed.

What Have You Learned Today?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.