When
Moms Get Angry - Anger management tips for moms
Most
moms have had moments where they say things they wish they
hadn't or lose their cool with their kids. When the crayons
end up on the walls or the shoes magically disappear, it is
easy to respond in anger. Being a mom is a tough job and even
the best moms have their "bad days". If you are having "bad
days" frequently or are concerned that you could physically
hurt your child, this is not normal. Losing your temper
can be a sign of other problems such as depression or anxiety.
Please contact your doctor if you are concerned about your
moods or temper.
If you are finding yourself feeling very angry or irritable
there may be reasons for this.
Are
you getting enough sleep? Not getting sleep or not
getting a sound sleep can affect your mood. Make sure
that you take care of your body and get plenty of sleep.
If you are feeling tired and cranky, take an afternoon
nap. If you cannot take a nap, lie down on the couch and
try to get some rest.
Are
you under financial
or personal stress? Being under a lot of stress can
affect your moods and your temper.
Are
you sick or feeling ill? Not feeling well can also
affect how you respond to family situations.
Are
you hungry? Sometimes not eating can effect your
moods.
You
may want to evaluate why you are getting angry. If you are
responding to a physical stressor, you can work on changing
your routine. Make sure you are getting proper nutrition and
adequate sleep.
Tips
for handling your anger
What can moms do to keep their anger in check or to cool down
when they are angry?
Take a time out. Sit down and take some time to relax
and collect yourself. Have you taken a break today?
Listen
to yourself. What are you saying to your children
when you yell or get angry? Is this the example you want
to set for them? Listen to what you are saying. If this
is not something you would want said to you, then do not
say it.
Have
a plan. Find out what your triggers are. Have a plan
in advance for what you will do when you are triggered.
Thinking ahead and having a plan will help you avoid simply
reacting in anger.
Practice,
practice, practice. When you are angry make a conscious
effort to practice staying calm. Have things planned out
to say when your children misbehave and practice using
them.
Sing
the ABC Song. Before you say anything to your children
when you are angry, sing the ABC song. Sometimes just
taking a minute to regroup is all you need to keep from
losing your cool.
It's
okay to say you're sorry. If you do lose your temper,
it is okay to say you're sorry. It does not make you ineffective
to say you're sorry. Think about when someone loses his/her
temper with you. Doesn't an "I'm sorry" make you feel
better?
Take
a walk or get some exercise. Physical exercise is
a great stress reliever. You can try taking a walk outside
with the kids.
Get
some time away from your kids. This is sometimes easier
said than done. If you can, get your husband or someone
else to watch the kids for a while so you can go out or
do something for yourself.
Have
a support system. A support system can be as simple
as family, a few friends you can call, a church or a moms
group. Find someone you can call when you are stressed
or need to unwind.
Practice
meditation. Meditation is a relaxation technique
that helps many people combat stress and negative emotions.
Try
Aromatherapy. Having calming scents in the house can
help to create a more peaceful mood.
