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Support > Positive Parenting
> Parent Tip of the Week
Parent Tip of the Week: “Rethink” Anger
Anger is a normal, human emotion. When anger turns to violence or verbal abuse,
however, it can lead to problems. Violence is a learned behavior and children learn from
adults—especially those closest to them. Learn how to properly deal with anger by using
the RETHINK model.
What to Do When You Are Angry
- Think before acting—don’t let your emotions take over your actions. Stop and
think about what your actions will really lead to. Sometimes it’s better to walk
away from conflict than to proceed with it.
- Calm down—take deep breaths. Learn ways that can help you relax and clear
your head.
Now Make Use of the RETHINK Model
- Recognize what makes you angry (what is it about the situation that you didn’t
like? Try not to focus on the person who’s upset you, but rather focus on what
happened).
- Empathize with the other person’s feelings (put yourself in the other person’s
shoes).
- Think of positive things about the situation (there are always positives to every
situation. Use them to guide you through resolving the conflict).
- Listen to what the other person is saying to you.
- Include “I” messages to express how you feel.
- Notice what happens to your body (being angry makes us feel unhappy as a
whole).
- Keep your attention on the present situation (learn to forgive and forget; don’t
bring up old issues and instead focus on the situation at hand).
Have a tip you want to share? E-mail Jackie Hirschorn at
hirschoj@mhawestchester.org
with your Parent Tip of the Week!
This material has been adapted by MHA from materials of the ACT (Adults and Children Together Against
Violence) program developed by the American Psychological Association (APA), a scientific and
professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.
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