We really want to be the best parent we can be, yet anger gets in the way. We look at ourselves and feel disappointed and frustrated in our parenting, deeply wanting it to be different, wanting it to be easier, more gentle, without yelling or punishing, and we vow to change how we parent from this place of anger.
Often we don’t have the slightest idea how to change from being the angry, short fused parent to becoming the more patient, self aware and calm parent. It starts with emotional regulation, and this is the honey from the bee in our parenting.
It’s no surprise that our emotional response effects our child. Studies show that parents with better self regulation skills are higher in positive parenting and have children that exhibit better self regulation skills too. One contributes to the other.
Anger management and emotional regulation helps parents regulate their emotions, thereby preventing impulsive and angry reactions to challenging situations. The behaviors, actions and words we choose, teaches our child how to emotionally regulate, too.
Here are the first steps to take in changing angry parenting into calm parenting.
Self Care: This is critical in anger management. Parents who are depleted and empty, have zero patience to give. Self care gives us a vessel to pour from. Give yourself the care you need and deserve.
Model Behavior: Parents who manage their anger well, serve as positive role models for their child, demonstrating healthy ways to handle frustration and stress. We are the calm we wish to see in our child.
Effective Communication: Anger management skills enables parents to communicate effectively with their child, fostering a more compassionate and open relationship. When we learn to talk about our feelings, we can express ourselves in more positive, helpful and effective ways, which makes a difference.
Continue to follow this series for more tips on this critical piece in creating more peace within you, and in your parenting.
