Ways to talk about anger
Consider what you wrote in this journal entry. Here are a few responses I could make to illustrate each of the three types of communication.
Direct: Angry (or mad, furious, or upset)
Metaphor: I feel like a grouchy bear; I feel like a volcano.
Action: I feel like I could explode; I feel like having a temper tantrum, but I won't.
These three forms can be combined as in "I'm so angry I feel like smacking you, but I won't."
Children need to hear direct forms of communication about anger so they can learn the words to use. Direct forms are more precise and less likely to be misunderstood. Sometimes, the direct words for anger do not convey what we really feel. Metaphor and action descriptions can have more meaning but can be misunderstood. Action statements can be distracting to the person hearing them.
Next: Skill 30: Reduce frustrations