Let's be honest.
Sometimes our kids drive us crazy.
I have heard many people say things like, "I never used to yell until my son was born" or "no one can get under my skin like my daughter.
" Parenting can certainly bring out the best and worst parts of ourselves.
What do you do when your anger and frustration get out of hand? Anger Management To-Do list for Parents.
1.
Take a time out.
I am a big fan of the parent time-out.
Sometimes it is necessary to maintain your sanity and possibly avoid expressing your anger towards your children in a harmful way.
Do whatever you need to do to get a few minutes alone to take some deep breathes and calm yourself.
2.
Call in support.
This could be a phone call to your spouse, your friend or a family member.
Sometimes it is difficult for us to admit that we are struggling and we can't do this on our own.
Reach out to someone who will listen or even help out in some way.
3.
Pay attention to self care.
Eat healthy and exercise.
Get enough sleep.
Have some fun.
Make sure you are not sacrificing yourself for your kids so much that you are not able to parent effectively.
As a parent you give and give and sometimes forget to recharge your own batteries.
4.
Laugh.
Studies have shown that laughter releases endorphins, which will melt away stress and tension.
Use your sense of humor to be more of a lighthearted parent.
Your kids will thank you.
I would say you can even use humor in the way you discipline your kids.
5.
Spend time away from your children.
This last week was a seriously difficult parenting week.
Our kids were sick and unusually cranky.
Our date night on Saturday was a much needed respite.
As a parent, you need time and space that is not consumed by your kids.
This may be a challenge, but also worth the effort.
Anger is a common emotion for anyone who is parent.
Sometimes it gets the best of us.
We parent in ways that do not line up with our values and feel regret and shame.
I pray that the love and bond we have with our kids will endure our mistakes and our most difficult days.