Page 38 - How Changing Your Anger Can Help You Be a Better Parent book

You can be empowered to react differently in that vulnerable parenting moment - to show strength
and resilience when dealing with your child in public.

Some parents believe that when a child is acting badly or disrespectful that it is a reflection of
them.
So, it can be like a double whammy - frustration that your child is not behaving properly, as well
as the pain of feeling you are an ineffective parent.

It may initially hurt in your gut (and your ego), but you can change your angry thinking and protect
yourself from what feels like a stomach punch!
Realizing that there are so many other factors to why your child may be misbehaving at a certain
time or behaving differently with you than with others - including close family members - can be
very helpful in reducing your shameful feelings.

Even if your child puts you in an embarrassing situation that causes you immediate frustration,
you can maintain calmness and clear-thinking, and react in a much healthier way.

If you have a healthy attunement to who your child is and what he or she may need in different
situations, you can feel confident that your connection with your child puts you in the best place
to understand how to react when feeling angry.

Your child's age or stage of development, temperament, and personality will impact much of his
or her behavior.

Understanding and meeting your needs and your child’s needs in the heat of an angry moment
can help you feel better and closer to your child after the angry exchange.

Understanding how your shame may be connected to your angry behavior can empower you to
make changes.

By reducing your feelings of shame, you will change your anger.

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