When a Child is Drowning, Don’t Try to Teach Her to Swim

What would you do if your child were drowning? Would you look into the pool and try and tell your child what to do? Would you give her a crash course in how to swim? Of course not! You would jump in and save your child. You would then wait until an appropriate time to teach your child how to swim.

When your child is feeling upset or out of control, that is not the moment to teach, preach, or impart a rule. You can help your child to calm down by using some of the following ideas:

• Take 10 deep breaths. It really does work!
• Do some physical activity – walk, run, swim, play golf, or do some other sport. This can be great for releasing the stress and frustration you’ve built up!
• Use a punching bag or a pillow to physically express your anger (in a way that’s not harmful).
• Do yoga, or another relaxing form of exercise.
• Participate in a fun activity or hobby.
• Use a journal and/or art to express your feelings.
• Forgive. At some point, it helps to let go and move on with a fresh attitude.