Logan has been pretty grumpy lately. I’m not really sure why, and frankly I’m not even sure if he knows why most of the time, but I’ve been a little concerned about it for a while. I noticed the change about a month or two ago and started looking for solutions to the problem. We talked about it often and most of the time I got very little response out of him. I knew something was bothering him, but he couldn’t seem to vocalize what it was. Instead he would hit, kick, scream, and throw things. I was at a loss of what to do. My sweet little angel was turning into a monster and I was not happy about it.
One day as I was looking through one of the scholastic book orders I noticed a book called, “Why Are You So Grumpy?” It seemed rather fitting so I decided to get it. Then on one of my many thrift store rummages I found another book called, “If You’re Angry and You Know It.” In no time I was building quite the collection of books about different feelings, particularly anger.
Anger is a natural feeling. All of us feel it from time to time, but many of us, especially children, don’t know appropriate ways to deal with that anger. It is important to recognize that feeling and then find ways that we can express it positively. Logan and I are working on getting him a special pillow that he can hit or scream at when he’s angry. Instead of throwing his toys or hitting Mommy, he has an outlet to take his feelings out on. There are many ways children can express their feelings, it’s just our job as parents to teach them which ways are okay and which aren’t.
Keep in mind we all make mistakes. When you’re stressed and tired you don’t always handle your anger in the best way either, so if your kids forget every once in a while don’t be too hard on them. Gently remind them of better ways to express themselves and hope they remember next time. Until then read a few books, sometimes we need good reminders about how to handle our anger too!