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Anger Quote by Susan Forward

“Anger is a normal human emotion and all children experience it to some degree, but many parents have difficulty dealing with it. Often they mistakenly see their children's anger as an indication of their failure as parents. When a child throws a tantrum, most parents believe that they have lost…” quote by Susan Forward
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““Anger is a normal human emotion and all children experience it to some degree, but many parents have difficulty dealing with it. Often they mistakenly see their children's anger as an indication of their failure as parents. When a child throws a tantrum, most parents believe that they have lost control, and they feel helpless. Children need to express their angry feelings, but within reasonable limits. They must be taught that the feelings of anger are all right but that this doesn't mean that they child may kick the dog, hit someone, or break things. When a parent teaches a child how to ventilate her feelings in appropriate ways, he teaches a very important lesson.””

Susan Forward

About This Quote

Source Book: Toxic Parents by Susan Forward, 1990

Parents often misinterpret a child's anger as personal failure, leading to helplessness; teaching appropriate emotional expression is essential.

In simple terms: Children's anger is normal; parents must guide healthy expression.

Key Takeaway

Teach kids to express anger constructively.

Themes

parenting emotional intelligence child development

Mood

concerned hopeful

Type

advice educational

When to use this quote

  • family counseling
  • school settings
  • home discipline
  • parent workshops

Key Concepts

attachment theory emotion regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can parents stay calm during a tantrum?
  • What strategies help children learn safe venting?
A Different Perspective

Parents may struggle to model calm behavior themselves.

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