How to Stay Calm When The Kids Are Driving You Crazy

7 Ways to Be a More Patient Parent, According to a Patience Expert [Fatherly](%2F%2Ffatherly.com%2F%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/EzninO17bi_50vdNNufbXG0yOu4=286) Sep 9, 2022 Every parent flies off the rails on occasion. The gig basically demands it. Like when toddlers decide to use diaper ointment as body paint, or your middle schooler slams their bedroom door hard enough to rattle all of the dishes in the kitchen. But responding in a volatile manner doesn’t help anyone. It only upsets your kid and prevents them from engaging the cognitive processes that can help them learn from their mistakes and make better choices the next time around. So how can you stay calm when your kid absolutely confounds you with their behavior to the point of making you want to explode? Consider this your crib sheet for keeping your cool. PARENTING %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth%2Fcalm-parents-all-share-these-3-traits%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/1dOCFs0ApfFNUlHWRWJb9TnBisI=286 [Calm Parents All Share These 3 Traits](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth%2Fcalm-parents-all-share-these-3-traits%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/oSiraV0trb1YtofNO-KIwGtxdq8=286) Remaining calm is more about [how you view yourself than how you view your kids.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth%2Fcalm-parents-all-share-these-3-traits%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/eIBerCoj-hY5DEzE53H5nOqoxnI=286) [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth%2Fcalm-parents-all-share-these-3-traits%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/pkquVMxoQd_wV910-r2TzcEtsqs=286) How to Calm Down When You’re About to Lose Your Cool [01] Take a Deep Breath As trite as it sounds, taking a deep breath is an important way to signal to your body that while the threat may feel overwhelming, you’re actually safe. Psychotherapist Lesley Smith recommends a quick exercise called a 4-6-8 breath. First, breathe in for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of six, exhale for a count of eight, then repeat. “When you exhale longer than you inhale, it cues to your body that everything is calmer,” Smith says. Counting, she adds, can also distract you from what’s stressing you out. [01] Ground Yourself With Your Five Senses Using your five senses is another simple-but-impactful way to remind your nervous system that, in spite of the surrounding stressors, your body doesn’t need to fire on all cylinders. Molly Dutter-Ansari, PhD, says engaging each of your five senses can bring your body back to the present moment, where it’s easier to see reality for what it is (and make logical decisions instead of freaking out). [01] Move Your Body When you’re on the edge of losing your cool, your body is holding on to a lot of energy. One way to release that excess energy? Yep, you guessed it: Move your body. Whether you bang out a few jumping jacks or take a brisk walk around the block, physically blowing off steam can keep you from emotionally exploding in the moment. Plus, psychotherapist Heather Kent points out that because exercise releases stress-busting hormones like endorphins, it can help improve your mood. [Here are a few more suggestions on how to calm yourself down.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fcalm-yourself-down-advice%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/K45hCsuPB-SMTiTzF-wHzaJTMM4=286) FURTHER READING [22 Stress Relief Activities That Take 5 Minutes Or Less](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2Fstress-relief-activities-5-minutes%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/QD098xEbbsulCpCbNBpMWnzObVU=286) [5 Mindfulness Exercises to Memorize](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth%2Fmindfulness-exercises%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/cmsS5tb60rn4zKt8B-H4Nd1vR5g=286) [7 Small Tactics To Help Improve Your Self-Discipline](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flife%2F7-small-tactics-to-help-improve-your-self-discipline%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/muSJBE2M_OuvPM_z2cqHtaYbZL0=286) ADVICE %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-be-more-patient%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/t8-hNc8FytnSdQJ6h3FjqTM-Iic=286 [7 Ways to Be a More Patient Parent, According to a Patience Expert](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-be-more-patient%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/jM9duetFTuiPCs13QvXxprtrjCY=286) Patience is a skill. And like any other skill, it can be nurtured and grown. These seven exercises can help. [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-be-more-patient%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/eVPC5j-uPNhNIOkTS0egeoDQn2U=286) SELF %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fdo-you-have-serious-anger-issues-heres-how-to-know%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/H88PVvVG11QqGCpk83-iFREcAis=286 [How to Tell If Your Anger Is An Issue](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fdo-you-have-serious-anger-issues-heres-how-to-know%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/nD36daaRecaE-2xQvJ3KHWGVKBc=286) Are you a dad who gets angry sometimes or an angry dad? [Understanding the difference is crucial.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fdo-you-have-serious-anger-issues-heres-how-to-know%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/_ferDZRlOxZCTIm8D0dFbPZMqq4=286) [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fdo-you-have-serious-anger-issues-heres-how-to-know%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/FttjzeBasqK5aRlxCpznhekn59Q=286) RELATIONSHIPS %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-truly-support-a-partner-who-is-struggling-with-burnout%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/QsifteOhwHGONdLvfUGxNTHjW3c=286 [How to Truly Support A Partner Who Is Struggling With Burnout](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-truly-support-a-partner-who-is-struggling-with-burnout%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/1XyM9frYyKdv26uh1aBmUN10QHs=286) This is how to be there for them — [and yourself.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-truly-support-a-partner-who-is-struggling-with-burnout%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/4yPQUp-dkoqIG1cKI2P0TAFDZhU=286) [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Flove-money%2Fhow-to-truly-support-a-partner-who-is-struggling-with-burnout%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/IixCue8IZQthKcqtXsSFeIWbNYo=286) MINDFULNESS %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth-science%2Fmindful-parenting-andy-puddicombe%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/Iyx9_W7jjo1o2H34j_KcA_shUmU=286 [4 Ways to Be a More Mindful Parent](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth-science%2Fmindful-parenting-andy-puddicombe%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/Oqoes-EzVtq2PD6sK2dj-Vire6g=286) Advice from [meditation expert Andy PudicombeÂ](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth-science%2Fmindful-parenting-andy-puddicombe%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/jWwBYSEodTPIuJw7NT441WOE4qY=286) [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fhealth-science%2Fmindful-parenting-andy-puddicombe%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/p1eL_A77QX6h0y5CjCz4v6Ie_qo=286) MUSIC %2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fentertainment%2Fthe-beatles-revolver-2022-reissue-yellow-submarine%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/1/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/mpVFXZgYYgAIfkKcsf_i0KvKINc=286 [New Beatles Album Re-Release Features A Dark Alternate Version Of A Famous Song](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fentertainment%2Fthe-beatles-revolver-2022-reissue-yellow-submarine%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/2/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/r20ZDEzYHeUIKVMGIpdeXqSyEXM=286) A new version of Revolver drops on October 28, 2022. [Here's what’s in it.](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fentertainment%2Fthe-beatles-revolver-2022-reissue-yellow-submarine%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/3/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/wy-vTKjs0cuKJvfTGBkqnkMJh6A=286) [READ THIS STORY](%2F%2Fwww.fatherly.com%2Fentertainment%2Fthe-beatles-revolver-2022-reissue-yellow-submarine%3Futm_campaign=36934%26utm_medium=fatherlyDailyV2%26utm_source=newsletter%26utm_session=c37e7b32-5b18-4c2b-a3ac-adb88aa64d4e/4/0100018323c8e2fb-3199f8ac-4100-44e2-8f21-14bfa0164504-000000/21Xoctzp8ntxL-IxqzB8bFdHOFw=286) You're receiving this email because you signed up to receive communications from BDG Media. 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