E008: When Anger Shows Up in Parenting
Notes
On this episode of On The Way, I talk about how to handle anger in parenting and how it can affect our relationship with our children. Anger is a natural emotion, but when it controls our responses, it can create fear, tension, and distance. I explain that the root of anger often comes from unmet desires within us rather than the actions of others, and understanding this helps us respond more wisely.
I share three important “don’ts” for handling anger: don’t suppress it, don’t repress it, and don’t express it negatively. I also introduce tools like the THINK acronym, which helps evaluate whether our words are truthful, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can grow in self-control and model healthy ways for children to handle their own emotions.
I explore practical strategies for helping children name their feelings, make response plans, and connect their emotions to God’s grace. Parenting is not about perfection but progress, and leaning on God’s wisdom allows us to create stronger connections, trust, and peace in the home.