1. Teaches Emotional Intelligence. When you express anger in a healthy way, you demonstrate to your child that it’s okay to feel and express emotions. For example, instead of shouting, you might say, “I’m really frustrated right now because…” This not only helps your child understand your feelings but also teaches them to articulate their own emotions. Emotional intelligence is key to managing stress, building relationships, and navigating social complexities.
2. Promotes Healthy Communication. Healthy anger expression involves open, honest communication without resorting to blame or aggression. For instance, instead of saying, “You never listen to me!” you might say, “I feel unheard when you talk over me.” This approach encourages constructive dialogue, helps resolve conflicts, and ensures that everyone’s needs and feelings are considered. By modeling this, you show your child how to communicate effectively, even in difficult situations.
3. Reduces the Risk of Resentment. Bottling up anger can lead to long-term resentment and passive-aggressive behavior. By expressing anger constructively—such as calmly discussing how someone’s actions impacted you—you clear the air and prevent small issues from snowballing into bigger problems. This fosters healthier, more trusting relationships, and teaches your child the importance of addressing issues early on.
4. Sets Boundaries. Healthy anger expression often involves setting clear boundaries, which is essential for maintaining respectful relationships. For example, if someone continually interrupts you, calmly stating, “I’d like to finish speaking before you respond,” sets a boundary without escalating the situation. Modeling this behavior teaches your child how to assert their needs and respect others’ boundaries.
5. Enhances Personal Well-being. Suppressing anger can negatively impact your mental and physical health, leading to stress, anxiety, or even physical symptoms like headaches. By expressing anger in a balanced way—such as taking a moment to breathe before responding—you release tension and maintain your well-being. This not only helps you stay calm but also shows your child how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Ms Zanthe Ng,
Senior School Counsellor
(Whole School)
Mr Daniel Tan,
Counsellor
(Whole School)
Ms Lori Ercan,
Counsellor
(Whole School)