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