Greetings,
Shockingly, anger and frustration seem to be emerging themes this fall, and I'm receiving a good amount of inquiries asking for support on the topic. Most involve managing frustrated remote learners or new-found anger outbursts they haven't witnessed in their child before. This motivated me to do some research and create a post on the topic.
Read on for information about rating anger, building an associated strategies list, and how to set up a Family Emotional Safety Plan. A small time/energy investment in these practices could produce better behavior/mindset outcomes down the road. Central idea: it's okay to feel angry... it's not okay to _______ *Insert aggressive/out of control behavior here :/
Here is a great little "Anger Thermometer" activity sheet that helps students not only rate the intensity of their anger, but also which calming strategies they have found work for them at the different levels ("Don't teach your child never to be angry, teach them how to be angry"). If your student hasn't worked out which calming strategies are best for them, this is a great opportunity for you to introduce/practice new calming strategies together (and start building a list). I have a ton on the Strategies tab of this website, as well as in my BitMoji classrooms. The internet is also bursting with new calming strategies people dream up as this virus-related adversity drags on. My hope is that everyone finds the right strategies that work for them!
Shockingly, anger and frustration seem to be emerging themes this fall, and I'm receiving a good amount of inquiries asking for support on the topic. Most involve managing frustrated remote learners or new-found anger outbursts they haven't witnessed in their child before. This motivated me to do some research and create a post on the topic.
Read on for information about rating anger, building an associated strategies list, and how to set up a Family Emotional Safety Plan. A small time/energy investment in these practices could produce better behavior/mindset outcomes down the road. Central idea: it's okay to feel angry... it's not okay to _______ *Insert aggressive/out of control behavior here :/
Here is a great little "Anger Thermometer" activity sheet that helps students not only rate the intensity of their anger, but also which calming strategies they have found work for them at the different levels ("Don't teach your child never to be angry, teach them how to be angry"). If your student hasn't worked out which calming strategies are best for them, this is a great opportunity for you to introduce/practice new calming strategies together (and start building a list). I have a ton on the Strategies tab of this website, as well as in my BitMoji classrooms. The internet is also bursting with new calming strategies people dream up as this virus-related adversity drags on. My hope is that everyone finds the right strategies that work for them!
Here is an example of my "stress-o-meter" at TCS. Each level of stress is associated with a strategy I use to help regulate or calm my body/emotions so I can be in the Green Zone and ready to learn/work. Seeing an adult example of what stresses us out (makes us angry) can really help children/students feel comfortable and confident making a list of their own.
Lastly, check out this fabulous blog about creating a Family Emotional Safety Plan. If you're at the point where a family member's anger is controlling or dictating what the family can do or wants to do... then it's time for a plan. There are some great visuals provided that give you an idea of what the final product could look like. It also gives examples of how to phrase what you're putting into the plan. There are resources available at the bottom that can help families figure out if they're at the point of needing outside support to manage a family members anger/outbursts.
Picture by Jennifer Miller. From confidentparentsconfidentkids.org