Parenting Tips

 

When your child is getting on your last nerve

When you deal with children, let's face it, sometimes you're going to get angry. They don't always listen well or immediately respond to requests or advice. They are noisy, rambunctious and repetitive. It takes a lot of energy and patience, something you may not always have in reserve when you need it most.

Before reaching out in anger to a child, try the following activities or exercises to help yourself over the "anger hump."

  1. Stop.  Think.   Don't hit, smack, or shake a child.
  2. Walk away. Make sure your child is safe, then go into another room or walk around the house. If someone else can stay with your child, take a walk outside.
  3. Count to 10 ... or 100. It really works. Count slowly and concentrate on your breathing while you're counting.
  4. Close your eyes and take deep breaths.
  5. Lie down and pull your feet up. Make sure your child is safe, then lie down for a few minutes.
  6. Splash cool water on your face. Put a cool cloth on your forehead or on the back of your neck.
  7. Relax in a warm tub or cool shower. Make sure your child is safe, then soak for awhile.
  8. Let out a silent scream. This is a great way to relieve frustration or built-up tension. Open your mouth  and scream without making a sound . Whew!
  9. Call a friend. Talk for a few minutes just to relieve some stress.
  10. Lock yourself in the bathroom until you're calm. Reorganize your linen closet or the medicine cabinet. Make sure your child is safe before you lock yourself in.
  11. Watch a funny movie. Laughing is one of the great stress relievers of all time.
  12. Do some exercises. Try some jumping jacks or run in place.
  13. Read a magazine or book for a few minutes. Listen to music. Sew on a button or mend a tear. 

The point is, do something else for a minute just to calm yourself down. Do whatever it is that relaxes you before dealing with your child again.


Anger Management Techniques for Teens

 

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