Parenting can be a challenge for everyone, no one is immune to the stressors associated with raising children. Sometimes those stressors can lead to anger or frustration. It is important for parents to know that it is normal to get angry, but it is in our response that it can become a problem. Parenting anger management is an effective way to deal with the stressors of raising children.
Anger becomes an issue when the parent loses control and reacts to the child’s behavior. Identifying the source of frustration, whether it is an outside factor or not could be the turning point in understanding why you are angry. Also knowing what your triggers are can help you not lose control when your child is being difficult.
Here are some key ways you deal with your anger while parenting.
- Be aware when you are getting angry and acknowledge it. (State it out loud)
- Take a deep breath.
- Temporarily remove yourself from the situation. (Take a time out. Go for a walk, drive, etc)
- Once you are calm reflect on the situation and determine how you can handle the problem without getting so upset.
- Use “I” statements when stating why you got so angry.
- Forgive everyone involved, including yourself. Forgiveness is vital and prevents grudges.
- Seek help. Recognize when you need professional services to help you deal with the stressors in your life.
If you are finding yourself losing your temper or being very angry with your children, please seek help. There is nothing embarrassing about asking for help, so that you can live a happy life with your family. Pasco Counseling & Visitation offers anger management and parenting classes, as well as family counseling. PC&V will help you identify the stressors and equip you with tools that will help you respond practically to your child’s misbehavior, as well as the other stressors in life.