It's natural to feel angry or frustrated with a child at times, but it's important to manage these emotions in a healthy way. Here are some tips and tricks to help you control your anger when dealing with a child:
📍Take a break: If you feel yourself getting angry, take a step back and take a few deep breaths. Remove yourself from the situation if you need to and come back to it when you feel calmer.
📍Practice empathy: Try to see the situation from the child's perspective. Consider their age, development, and any external factors that may be affecting their behavior.
📍Use positive self-talk: Use positive self-talk to calm yourself down and reframe negative thoughts. Instead of thinking "This child is so frustrating," try "This child is still learning, and I can help them do better."
📍Set clear boundaries: Make sure the child knows what behavior is expected of them and what the consequences will be if they don't follow the rules. This can help prevent future outbursts and give both you and the child a sense of structure.
📍Use positive reinforcement: Praise the child when they do something well or follow the rules. Positive reinforcement can be more effective than punishment in shaping behavior.
📍Seek support: If you find yourself struggling to control your anger, consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor for support. They can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing your emotions.
Remember that children are still learning and growing, and mistakes are a natural part of the process. By managing your own emotions and responding to the child with empathy and positive reinforcement, you can help them learn from their mistakes and grow into responsible, empathetic adults.
Yours, Galina Khasanova
Hebrew University of Jerusalem