Tips for Handling Anger

• Count to 10 very slowly. Concentrate on the counting, regardless of what your child is doing.
  
  
• Put your hands in your pockets to help you resist the urge to use them to threaten or hit your child.
  
  
• Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Pretend you are releasing steam from your body.
  
  
• Get away from the situation. Go into another room or take a walk. This gives both you and your child some time to cool off.
  
  
• Talk with your partner, a close friend, or a relative. Talking it through will help you develop creative ideas for dealing with the situation.
  
  
• Take time to think about how you're reacting to the situation. Why are you angry with your child? Is the child misbehaving because he wants attention, is angry himself, feels discouraged, frustrated, or does not have his needs met?

For example: Tory was angry that his father would not let him go out to play after supper. Tory: "You're dumb. I hate you!" Father: "Tory, no name calling. Say, `I don't like it cause I want to go out.' Then it's easier for us to talk."