What is Anger?

Anger is a natural emotion felt by everyone from time to time. Like other emotions we experience, such as happiness and sadness, anger can affect our mood. Since our mood influences our actions, it is easy to see how feelings of anger can affect how we behave. Anger can be defined as a “strong feeling of displeasure.” However, this dictionary definition cannot describe all of the effects of anger.

Sometimes our anger can be used as positive energy: to help us exercise harder, work faster and accomplish more. Other times, anger can be harmful to ourselves and those around us, including children. Because parenting is challenging and can cause feelings of anger, this brochure was written for parents and other caregivers (foster parents, grandparents, older brothers and sisters, teachers, etc.). Included is information about the effects of anger, warning signs of anger (which can help reduce or prevent anger), and a section on how to control anger.

How are Children Affected?

Children can be affected by parents’ and other caregivers’ anger both directly and indirectly. The direct way can take different forms. Sometimes parents and other caregivers may find themselves so angry that they may become physically aggressive toward their child. However, physical harm is not the only way that a child can be hurt. Parents and other caregivers may say things, in the heat of anger, that can hurt a child’s feelings or damage self-esteem.

Children can be indirectly affected as well. By watching a parent or other caregiver successfully handle a stressful situation, a child could be positively influenced. Other times, children can be negatively affected by indirect actions. For example, when watching two adults arguing, the child may think that is the only, or best, way to solve problems. Since the indirect effects of anger can be easily overlooked, it is always helpful for parents and other caregivers to pay attention to their actions when around a child.

How are Parents and Other Caregivers Affected?

Parents and other caregivers are also affected by anger. When using anger as a way to deal with tense situations, a parent or other caregiver often becomes angrier. When angry, you may find it more difficult to perform everyday respon sibilities in the home, on the job, running errands and parenting. Therefore, knowing some of the warning signs of anger can help reduce, if not prevent, angry feelings. The following checklist can serve as a guide in recognizing some of the warning signs of anger. Can you think of others?

How to Control Anger

Sometimes feelings of anger build up without us even knowing it. Therefore, it helps to know how to control anger. It may be helpful to think of your anger management as a traffic light.

Red light represents extreme anger; immediately come to a stop. Try one of the following:

1. Take a time out.
2. Talk with a friend, relative, counselor or church member.
3. Splash water on your face.
4. Get away from the place of tension — if you cannot leave because you are watching children, walk into another room.
5. Walk around the block.
6. Write down your feelings, possibly in a diary or journal.
7. Take a deep breath.
8. Count to 10.
9. Exercise.
10. Do something constructive, such as gardening, reading or other hobbies.

Yellow light represents moderate anger. Now is a good time to organize your thoughts before trying to talk to the person with whom you are angry. Sharing your problem with others and seeking advice may also be helpful. Next, try to figure out the needs of the person(s) with whom you are angry. Why did they act that way toward you? Do they have certain needs that you were not aware of at the time? In addition to their needs, what are yours? Knowing your needs and those of the other person(s) involved is helpful in understanding the source of your anger. In organizing your thoughts, remember the ABCs of communication:

ASK yourself three simple questions:

Writing about your feelings is a good outlet.

BEFORE talking to the person(s) with whom you are angry, think of some ways to prevent the anger-producing situation in the future:

• Remember how you felt during the situation.
• Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and try to understand why he or she acted that way.
• What would you have done in their position?

COMMUNICATE your feelings in a positive manner. Things to remember:

• Listen to the other person’s side of the story; listen with an open mind.
• Stick to one issue at a time. Digging up old arguments won’t help.
• Explain how you feel without blaming the other person. Try to stay calm and control your voice.

— Good approaches:

• “In my opinion...”
• “The way I see it...”
• “It seemed as though...”
• “I was wondering...”

— Approaches to avoid:

• “You never...”
• “How am I supposed to...”
• “Why don’t you just...”

Remember how you would want the other person to approach you if he or she were in your shoes.

Green light is a signal that you are ready to communicate, but you should still proceed with caution. When you have reached a green light, you have:

• identified that a problem exists;
• determined the cause of the problem;
• identified your needs, as well as those of the person(s) with whom you are angry; and
• thought of possible solutions for preventing this situation in the future.

The following examples show how the ABCs can help you reach the green light (communication stage).

I. Partner conflict

II. Conflict between Children

III. Job conflict

IV. Not enough personal time

People often say that the best offense is a good defense. The best way to control anger is to reduce or prevent it. By taking the time to read this brochure, you are already taking a step toward managing your anger. For more information on how to handle anger and other parenting needs, call the ParentLink Connection Center at 1-800-552-8522.

References

Faber, Adele and Elaine Mazlish. How To Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too. New York: Avon Books, 1978.

Faber, Adele and Elaine Mazlish. How To Talk So Kids Will Listen And Listen So Kids Will Talk. New York: Avon Books, 1980.

Faber, Adele and Elaine Mazlish. Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide To A Happier Family. New York: Avon Books, 1990.

Holt, Pat and Grace Kelterman. When You Feel Like Screaming: Help For Frustrated Mothers. Harold Shaw Publishers, 1988.

Wholistic Stress Control Institute, Inc. Pre-School Relief Project*: Stress Management Education For Adults & Children: Training of Trainers Manual. Atlanta, Georgia: J.B. Publishers, 1992.

*This brochure is a collaborative effort of ParentLink and The Missouri Bar.

*Authors:

— Kimberly Paul (ParentLink)
— Tyler Smith (ParentLink)