12 alternatives to lashing out at your kid

I have add this print out on my fridge for years. I have no idea where it came from, but I just re-read it for the first time in a while and think it is great advice. (I will transpose it verbatim.)

12 alternatives to lashing out at your kid.

You'll feel better...and so will your child.

1. Take a deep breath. And another. Then remember you are the adult...

2. Close your eyes and imagine you're hearing what your child is about to hear.

3. Press your lips together and count to 10. Or better yet, to 20.

4. Put your child in a time-out chair. (Remember the rule: one time-out minute for each year of age.)

5. Put yourself in a time-out chair. Think about why you are angry; is it your child, or is your child simply a convenient target for your anger?

6. Phone a friend.

7. If someone can watch the children, go outside and take a walk.

8. Take a hot bath or splash cold water on your face.

9. Hug a pillow.

10. Turn on some music. Maybe even sing along.

11. Pick up a pencil and write down as many helpful words as you can think of. Save the list.

12. Write for prevention information:

National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse

PO Box 2866L

Chicago, IL 60690

Stop using words that hurt.

Start using words that help.

I don't know if that information is even still valid, but I am sure if you need the info, it can be found online.