Today the world is pushing your buttons and the next push is going to send you over the edge. You know if you get pushed then your going to explode. Now your home and it's your child who is pushing your limits. You don't want to explode on them, so it's time for a parental timeout.
A parental timeout is simple. When your kids have pushed you too far then you need to take a timeout. This care just the same as having your child sit in timeout to think about what they did. A parental time out is a way to separate yourself from the situation, cool off, and think about what you are and are not going to do. The good news is you don't have to stand in the corner. Ways to have a parental time out include:
Counting or deep breaths is a beginning. While every number or every exhale you are getting rid of your anger. Keeping going until you have cooled down and able to confront the situation. If just counting the numbers doesn't work, think of counting sheep or “donkeys” until you have gotten rid of your anger.
Meditation will also help to relieve a possible angry outburst. Take a few moments to think of a really relaxing place, a happy moment with your partner, kids, or the perfect vacation you want. Once you have got the picture in your mind, release all your anger and just focus on the picture in your mind.
If you have ever been in therapy, then you might have heard of self affirming statements. These are statement you use to help increase your self esteem and confidence levels. You can use the same idea to decrease your anger level by repeating a calming phase to help you to cool down.
Create your parental timeout by thinking of what calms you down. For me, I have a walk in closet just big enough to me to lounge inside. When my world is getting on my nerves and I am about to lose it, I basically shut myself in the closet reading, music, or just a good crying spell until I feel like I can handle the outside world again. I pull myself together and try again.
So the next time you feel like your about to have a melt down, use your own parental timeout. Sometimes just walking into another room and sitting until you cool off is another way to create your own parental time out. Remember you can use it as a teaching device by showing parents have to take a timeout too.
