BREATHE…
Among the many relevant topics for this generation,”Anger Management” has been one of the most discussed one for children (and adults).How do we teach our children (and adults) to manage anger?
A very significantly ardent task for educators across the Globe and being a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) educator myself, this has been is one of my most important goals.(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csIY2lwImpw)
Me : (To Grade 1 and Grade 2 class) “Who all get frequently angry?”
Kids: Almost all hands were raised. They were aware that they get angry.
Me : “What do you do when you get angry?“.
Kids : “I Hit! Scream! Push! Throw! Bite! ……They were clearly able to articulate their actions when they are angry.
Me : “How do you feel after you hit or push someone in anger?”.
Kids : (unanimously)”We feel bad or sad.”. They do not like it but they do it and they see these actions in their immediate surroundings too.
Me : “Do you want to know what really happens when you get angry and know how to control it ?”
Kids : “YES , MAAAM”. They are curious to know and willing to change.
After this initial conversation, we discussed deep about their emotional brain ,its responses and the different techniques to calm down when angry. They understood and started practicing at school and home . I was happy with the progress made by these children.
Then one day, a child walked upto me and said in a worried tone”Ma,am, I am trying to control my anger but…. my parents keep getting angry and hit and shout at me. I feel very sad and angry. Why can’t they use those calming down techniques? When I told them to breathe, they would not listen.”
Take a pause,breathe and reflect……Could this be your child???
I was speechless for a moment. I took a deep breath and tried to answered the question.
Post written by Chaitali Shroff,SEL Educator,Parent Coach
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