Anger Management

Parenting can cause stress, no matter the age of the child or children.  Infants take a lot of round the clock work.  Toddlers constantly challenge authority.  Young children need to keep busy and active, so they need much attention and opportunities to learn and play.  Pre-teens are battling hormones, peer pressure, and parental control.  Teens are struggling for independence.  No matter the age of their children, parents can get stressed out, tired and overworked trying to keep up.  The most important qualities parents need, besides a sense of humor and endless gentle patience, are anger management techniques.

Just as parents might put a toddler in “time out,” when the child needs to cool down, a parental “time out” is a good anger management tool.  If possible, for a few minutes at the least, a couple of hours ideally, it’s good to get away from the children once in a while.  A sitter, the other parent, a grandparent, or other responsible adult can provide the parent a needed break.  Taking a break can really give anger and stress a chance to dissipate.  A parent “time out” can be in a separate room for a few minutes of quiet.  Just as it helps a young child who has acted out, even a few minutes of quiet can be a great anger management tool for an adult.  A longer time can do even more.  Just go to a peaceful place, such as a library, park, bookstore, or quiet restaurant or coffeehouse.  Take some time for yourself, and you’ll be surprised at how much it can help release the stress.

Anger management is also possible little by little throughout the day.  Some slow, deep breaths can help an angry parent to get a grip on his emotions.  It’s often tempting to yell, or even to spank a child when provoked.  Because parents love their children, and so desperately want their children to learn to be successful, good people, parents’ expectations are highest for their children.  When children act against parents’ wishes, it provokes parental anger, so much more than other people’s children would.  Parents who practice anger management techniques will find parenting easier and more enjoyable.  Their children will also learn anger management techniques by watching their parents model them.  Anger management, patience and a sense of humor can strengthen the healthy family environment.