Only 2% of the time is anger a primary feeling. That's called righteous indignation, when what you are witnessing is just...not...right. The other 98% of the time there is another feeling that the anger is covering. Since anger is the most socially acceptable negative feeling we all have, we feel better saying "I'm angry," than owning up to, "I'm frustrated, I'm embarrassed, I feel self-conscious" or other primary feelings. When your child expresses or demonstrates, active listen her feelings. When you see her emotional fever going down, then switch from this secondary feeling to her primary feeling by asking, "I understand, sweetheart, that you are angry, but what else is going on?" Now, that's kind of an essay question, and we know that most kids don't do so well with essay questions. If you get a puzzled look, a shrug, or other noncommittal response, make your essay question a multiple choice question. You know your child well enough to come up with several options for what else she is feeling. After active listening to understand all the feelings involved, and her emotional fever has subsided, you can then brainstorm things she can say or do to address her feelings constructively. "What else is going on?" is a great avenue for teachable moments.
Does Kindness Live in Your Home?
Why Kids Act Out
Kids Will Be Kids
Compassion Anybody?
Does Drama Live in YOur House?
Own and Use Your Superpower!
Are You on a Healing Journey?
Planning for Summer Activities
Summertime Family Planning
Families Helping Each Other in Need
Supporting Your Child’s Education
Making Your Child’s Safety Your Priority
Bullying Awareness, Impact and Prevention
Baby Balance ---Juggling Home, Work, and Kids
Can You Have It All? Mompreneurs Unite!
Tips for Saving Money
Family Activities for Holiday or Moving Day
Time off from School can be Time On for Fun
Moving onto a Rental?
Summer Plans that can Fill all Family Needs
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
History Storytime - For Kids
Privacy Boys
Nonsensical Show
The Story of Mankind
Black Beauty
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly