Table of Contents
Making the Right Decisions
Anger is an emotion that can be difficult to control at times, much like other emotions. However, certain behaviors during anger are not constructive, as individuals may make decisions they wouldn’t normally make. Therefore, parents should strive to avoid feeling angry towards their children as much as possible. This can be achieved by establishing rules, such as preparing children for bed half an hour early, or by strengthening the relationship with the child and becoming closer to them, which can help reduce negative behaviors.
Seeing Things from a Different Perspective
Sometimes, a mother needs to view situations from a different perspective to manage her anger. For example, if a child wants to play early in the morning instead of getting ready for school, the mother might remember a similar situation from her own childhood, when she too wanted to play all the time. Recognizing that it is futile to convince children to abandon their natural inclinations can help her take a deep breath and think of an alternative plan to persuade her child to do what she wants, rather than displaying irritation and anger.
Avoiding Threats
Threats made in anger are usually unreasonable and only become effective if parents genuinely intend to follow through. Such threats can undermine a parent’s authority in the eyes of the child and reduce compliance with established rules in the future, as children come to understand that most of what is said may not be implemented. Instead, parents can inform their children that breaking the rules will result in a consequence after careful consideration, without specifying what that consequence will be, keeping it ambiguous.
Controlling Tone of Voice
Studies show that tone of voice has a direct effect on mood. The calmer parents speak, the less intense their reactions will be, which will increase children’s responsiveness to them. Conversely, using rude or irritating words can provoke greater anger from the other person, creating a more charged atmosphere. Therefore, parents should be able to calm themselves and their children by controlling their tone of voice and choosing their words wisely, thus setting an example for their children.
Maintaining Relaxation
Parents should strive to remain calm as soon as they feel anger rising. They can engage in activities that help soothe the mind, relax the muscles, and lower the heart rate, such as taking deep breaths, listening to music, reading a book, going for a walk, taking a warm bath, or spending time in a quiet place. Afterward, parents can reevaluate the situation and handle similar circumstances more effectively in the future.
