These four weapons are from Nancy Samalia’s book, Love and Anger: The Parental Dilemma.Even though we may know these tips, it’s always great to be reminded. The other four are in a complementary blog https://bridges2understanding.com/eight-weapons-in-the-war-on-anger/
Which ones do you use?
5. STAY SHORT AND TO THE POINT – Be specific. It’s pointless to tell a five-year-old to clean up her room. If you expect results, you might wait forever. Children need specific instructions – although not too many.
6. PUT IT IN WRITING – A written message can be an effective and calming way to express your feelings in a manner others can understand. When you put your thoughts in writing, you also allow yourself a cooling-down period. It is another way of exiting and waiting.
7. FOCUS ON THE ESSENTIAL – In parent groups we talk a lot about making rules and fights that break out when these rules get broken or are ignored. Parents have to decide for themselves what is truly important in their households.
8. RESTORE GOOD FEELINGS – Parents and children want and need good feelings to prevail, even when the battles become fierce. Time and distance heal many wounds. A simple apology can diminish resentment and pave the way for reconciliation.
2013 Cynthia Klein has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with dads, moms and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, webinars, and private parent coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the magazine Parenting on the Peninsula. Contact Cynthia at bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com or call 650. 341.0779.
