Character Building: Helping Your Angry Child
Do you know what's it like to live with an angry child? If so, do you ever wonder why your child is angry? Inside you'll find a few questions and a few suggestions.
"Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life."
~Joan Lunden
Character Building Questions for Parents:
- The first question I ask parents is, "Who is modeling anger for your child?" Whoever it might be, tell them to change.
- The second question to ask parents is, "What's increasing your child's tendency toward anger? Could it be violent programs, games, divorce or some other major difficulty?
- The third question to ask is, "Are you willing to help your child?"
In my 22 years as a child and family counselor, some parents didn't want to be involved. They wanted me to change the child. When it comes to helping kids, parents need to be involved. They need to become the lifelong counselors for their own children. The counselor can teach them how.
Character Building Suggestions:
Discuss the anger problem and solutions at Family Meetings. Consider picking up my book, The Family Meeting Diary. You learn how to hold family meetings that bond members together and solve family problems.
Use Time Out. This published article, Parenting Activity: Use These 3 Time Out Twists gives you my special Time Out Method.
Use Positive Affirmations. This published article, Raising Kids with Non-Violent Behavior: 3 Affirmations That Build Character in Kids, includes several tips on how to help the angry child.
Character Building Conclusion:
Help your child let go of anger, tense muscles, headaches, sore jaws. Counsel your child through family meetings, time out, and affirmations. If you do, you may notice laughter and lightness in her life. You can do it. I know you can.
Your Personal Invitation:
How do you help your child overcome anger? Please leave a suggestion, question, or comment at Jean Tracy's Email or click on Comments below.
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