Thanks Jacob and Joseah, Xavie’s parents, for facilitating our Parent Connect discussion about “Managing Anger''. Here’s a summary of what we talked about:

The word “anger” can cover many different emotions - frustration, impatience, weariness, being upset, anxious, worried, sad, etc. It’s helpful to pause and identify how you are feeling and find a way to calm yourself before exploding.

Some calming ideas: take deep breaths, hum or sing a lullaby, take a break.

Be the calm in their storm.

A common time when parents get angry with their children is getting ready in the morning - getting dressed, putting on shoes, brushing teeth, etc.

Model reasoning with your child. For example when arguing about getting ready for the day:

“Here’s my plan… let’s put on your shoes so we can go to school. What’s your plan?”

Children are growing in their independence and wanting to do things for themselves, especially at 3 and 4 years old. Stubbornness and the need for independence go hand in hand. Allow for extra time for them to do things on their own as they are able. Children want to have the power to make some choices. Do you want to wear a red shirt or blue today? Do you want to brush your teeth first or brush your hair?

Be aware of your tone of voice. Am I yelling? What message am I sending my child? Kids want to know “Am I safe?” “Do you love me?”. Even in those moments of frustration, it’s our role as the adult is to be the calm.

At WWP, we want the underlying message of every communication to be “YOU ARE BELOVED!”. Families, we’re in this together!