This pamphlet is for parents who are in or have recently completed treatment. Early recovery is difficult. In addition to managing your recovery, you have to be a parent. Handling anger well—your own and that of your children—will help you rebuild good relationships with your kids.
You might feel you have no control over your anger. Little things might set you off. You might get angry without realizing it. Its important to remember that youre handling many emotions and new challenges in early recovery.
Handling your anger and the anger of your child is a learned skill. In this pamphlet, youll learn how to check your emotional temperature and keep yourself cool. Youll learn a way to handle angry situations using tools described by the acronym CALM. Add a few basics of clear communication and some attention to your own needs, and youll be able to prevent most angry exchanges from happening.
Parents in early recovery may be angry with their children at times. This pamphlet shows them how to manage their anger, handle their child¿s anger toward them, prevent anger by meeting basic needs, and build good communication skills in their family.