Angry Kids, Angry Parents Understanding and Working with Anger in Your Family

Angry Kids, Angry Parents
Understanding and Working with Anger in Your Family

Angry Kids, Angry Parents gives parents all the information they need to know about their children’s, and their own, anger and aggression.
Why do some children react with anger to almost any challenging situation? Why is anger the emotion that parents struggle with the most when it comes to their children? What does a child who is furious and making treats actually need? How can even the most war-weary parent regain trust in their ability to handle their child’s anger?

Being angry can help us stand up for ourselves, create healthy and protective boundaries, and protect ourselves against situations that are unfair or threatening. However, anger can also show up as rage, sharp criticism, intimidation, hate, screaming, biting, punching, and kicking. It’s painful to watch your child struggle, and there are lots of terrible thoughts that race through the minds of normal, loving, consistent parents when their child is consumed with anger. The key lies in understanding how anger works and knowing that there are usually vulnerable feelings behind aggressive behavior.

A child’s anger can also be disguising sadness, loneliness, or fear. Adults also need to be aware of what feelings arise in them when they’re confronted with their child’s angry behavior. They may need help to figure out how their own feelings are keeping them from doing the vital work of being present for their children in a good way, without getting caught up in the child’s anger. This book shines a light on the misunderstood elements of anger and reminds people why it is an essential emotion.

Paperback -295 pages

By: Anne Hilde Vassbo Hagen, Joanne Dolhanty