When our kids act up, most of us get annoyed. And when they really act out, most of us get angry.
All parents get angry at their children. There’s nothing wrong with feeling anger; anger is a message. The problem is that we can’t interpret that message clearly while we’re angry. In the heat of the moment, we’re in fight, flight or freeze. And when we’re in “fight,” our child looks like the enemy. So we think the message is that we should vanquish the enemy — our own child!
In fact, the message when your child gets upset is actually that he needs your help, even if he’s being impossible. (Especially when he’s being impossible!)
Maybe we need to put our child to bed an hour earlier, or connect with her more, or simply make it safe enough for her to cry and show us all those tears and fears that are making her act out. But we can’t understand or act on that message when we’re triggered by our own fear and anger. Staying cool is essential to actually solving the problem, instead of making it worse.
So how can you stay cool when your kid acts up, instead of sliding toward the dark side?
https://www.peacefulparenthappykids.com/read/how-can-you-stay-cool-when-your-kid-acts-up
