Anger and frustration are healthy emotions and fundamental aspects of who we are, just as love, grief and happiness.
The irony, however, is that our closest relationships have the tendency to evoke both the greatest & the worst of these emotions unlike anything else. It’s what we do with those emotions that determine whether they’re healthy or not. A few helpful tips:- Set realistic expectations. Know that you are going to have conflict, just be mindful of how you compose yourself.
- Don’t hide conflict from you children. They need to witness healthy ways to have an argument, and more importantly see you make amends with each other.
- Fight fair. Character assassination is inappropriate in any healthy relationship. Don’t let your kids witness you insult, name call, or otherwise tear down each other.
- Abuse of any kind is never appropriate, especially for a child to witness. Let them see you take a time out if you feel things getting too heated.
- Keep the topics of contention relationally & developmentally appropriate. Don’t argue about your sex life or extended family members, etc. in earshot of the kids. If it’s not an appropriate topic, table it until it’s just you & your partner.
- Remember, you have the greatest opportunity to be a role model for your child!