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So the first step, is to set an example and, possibly, use some of these
ideas, for yourself. Studies show that anger causes atherosclerosis, the
build-up of plaques in the arteries, that is a major factor in
developing high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and
premature death.
Also, during a “temper tantrum,” adrenaline and blood pressure levels
rise beyond normal. This behavior is more dangerous to parent’s bodies
due to the normal “wear and tear” already existing.
Now, you may be convinced that anger can kill you, but let’s look at one
more factor. You could hurt someone else, find yourself in prison, or
get yourself killed due to inciting violence against others. There are
other people, who are having difficulty dealing with anger management
too.
Back to our children: All children need exercise and they are naturally
full of energy. Look at any other species, and you will see the same
behavior. Should we drug our dogs, cats, and parrots, when they display
youthful exuberance?
Children have to run, jump, and shout. So let them play in the back
yard, in a park, and get them involved in sports, Yoga, dance, or
martial arts. You will never regret letting your child enjoy life,
constructively learn in the process, and just be a kid.
For all of us, there is a time to be quiet and a time to shout. Children
need years to learn this, so let’s keep them active in the process. Keep
them away from the television, Internet, and video games, except for
“rainy days.” Coloring books, board games, and reading are also good
activities for rainy days.
A heavy bag is a great tool for letting anger out. You and your child
can use it together. You can learn to punch and kick it, for the aerobic
benefits, as well. If you have a friend who is a boxer or martial
artist, you could get some pointers. After just a 20-minute session, I
guarantee you, and your child, will have dealt with anger - there will
be little, if any, left.
Teach your child forgiveness, through your own example. I am not asking
you to let people “walk all over you.” However, let grudges go; life is
really too short to keep a feud going.
You can also control your child’s “circle of friends,” just by getting
him or her involved in, group activities such as: League sports, dance,
yoga, or martial arts. The parents who have their children in
these
activities want the best for them and are willing to sacrifice their
time, or money, to get it.
This will keep your child busy, happy, and active, with a pre-selected
crowd of friends, who have parents that care. This is a “win – win”
situation and well worth the investment.
This is not to say that every child you run into, at these functions,
will be perfect, but in the above mentioned activities, all of them are
structured, adult-supervised, and rules for behavior are in place. This
form of organization becomes a habit, your child will follow these
guidelines, and bring them home.
Here is another idea that will help. Have your child take care of a pet
or a plant, every day. Children love to care for animals or plants, but
they still need supervision. The result of this will be, your child
learns compassion.
Compassion will keep anger “in check” every time.
by :
Paul Jerard
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