About Personal and Family Anger Policies

      Most (all?) animals instinctively respond to hurt and/or  perceived threat with the anger. This normal protective hormonal-mental emotion ranges from irritation to anger to blind rage. These emotions may be suppressed, denied, or expressed reactively and explosively. An important part of effective parenting is teaching young kids "impulse (e.g. anger) control."

      If expressed aggressively and violently, anger can frighten the host person and other people - specially kids. This is specially true if it's accompanied by physical violence, screaming, cursing, blaming, and/or breaking or throwing things.

     Every person, couple, and family automatically grows good/bad attitudes and verbal and nonverbal rules (shoulds, oughts, and musts) about feeling and expressing anger (and frustration). These attitudes and rules can be called an "anger policy."

     Average people and groups aren't clearly aware of their anger policy, and don't discuss and negotiate it intentionally. This can promote significant anxiety, distrust, and conflict, until people become aware of their policies and options.

     Can you describe your personal and family anger policies. Do you know what your behavior is teaching kids about feeling and expressing anger?

       For more perspective and examples, see this article.