Tag Archives: anger management

Anger Isn’t License for Disrespect

Emotion is a good thing and inevitable. But, when the tempers flare and fly in the family scene, it isn’t a license for disrespect or bad behavior—either from parents or children. Learning how to face emotions, say and do what one needs to, but remain civil and respectful can take some focus—especially if you were not raised in a world where that is how things were done. Sure, we all lose our tempers. Parents aren’t immune to getting frustrated and losing perspective. But, it isn’t an excuse and it does not give us license to say and do disrespectful things … Continue reading →

Why YOUR Behavior Matters to Your Child

As you go about your day, your child is constantly observing you. Even the developmentally delayed child is constantly trying to process information and make sense of what she sees. As a parent, you are your child’s primary role model. The way you respond to various situations makes an indelible mark on your child’s psyche. A behaviorally-disordered child is especially in need of a good parental role model. Kids who have trouble controlling themselves crave visual “cues” for how to act. So it’s a good idea to take stock of your own behaviors and make improvements whenever possible. Don’t assume … Continue reading →

Methamphetamine Exposure in Babies

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In our state alone, methamphetamine is a contributing factor to at least 60 percent of the children in our foster care system. It is even higher in some states! This is awful news in and of itself, but once you learn more about the direct effects it can have in children, it’s even more devastating. For a pregnant woman using meth, her 20 minute high can become a 72 hour high for the baby! Consider what’s happening while the little baby is developing. Meth affects the neurological system in addition to the formation of the rest of the body. Some … Continue reading →

Redirecting Rage

Have you heard of the phrases? Going Postal Cheerleader Mom Soccer Dad These phrases describe behavior that is related to a mood disorder called IED (intermittent explosive disorder) and it seems that about 7.3% of American adults have. There are a number of studies being done in American psychiatry in order to diagnose, treat and help to avoid the dangerous consequences of such behavior. Most people who are susceptible to IED are prone to bouts of anxiety and depression as well as more likely to suffer from substance abuse. One of the signs of IED is a sudden, explosive anger … Continue reading →

Manage Anger Better

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There is no such thing as a fairy tale, happily ever after ending to a marriage. This is not to say marriages cannot be happy, fertile areas where both the individuals and the relationship can flourish. Just as relationships are ripe with the possibility of development and growth – they are also capable of producing cycles of negative attitudes and unpleasant emotions. When stress is introduced to the relationship, that stress can lead to aggressive or controlling behaviors. The tension, literally, can breed more tension. An important coping mechanism for couples to learn is how to manage their aggressive and … Continue reading →

Marriage Fitness Exercise

I have often said that writing is like any other exercise you perform, with practice and repetition, you can improve your skills, endurance and hone your talents. Marriage is a similar task and needs similar exercises in order to keep it fit, trim and enduring. Marriage exercises shouldn’t be as tough as doing weight lifting, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be times when you really need to pump some iron to get to where you want to be. So today’s marriage fitness exercise is about communicating. We’ve talked about using ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements. Today’s exercise will … Continue reading →