Bullying is a topic that has been getting more attention lately. We are seeing this happen more in schools with children and teens. Young people are increasingly bullied because of sexual orientation, economic status and disabilities. Although the causes of Bullying are many, one answer that points to hope in helping our children and teens starts in the home. Much research has shown that children, teens, and even adults who bully others have often been bullied at home, either by their parents, siblings, or other adults. So how does this relate to Anger management? If we are not managing our emotions at home and we are using anger, intimidation, and violence to get what we want, what are we teaching our young ones? And, if they are too afraid to speak up or fight back at home, where else are they supposed feel any control but in the schools or playgrounds where they can pick on people they’re own size or smaller?

Anger management classes are not the same as parenting classes, but, they can definitely help you understand how your behavior is impacting those around you and managing your emotions can help you learn to communicate and even parent more effectively.

Many times I have had adults in my anger management class realize that they are bullies in their home with their kids and even their spouse. It’s important to understand that kids are not born bullies. No one is. We learn it from somewhere. Bullying is a learned behavior.

If you are a parent, caregiver or have a teen struggling with bullying behavior, take the first step in a direction of hope and change for you or them. In anger management courses you will learn new ways of communicating and getting what you need and want from others. You will learn to feel more in control of yourself and your life. You can learn skills that will help you relax, solve and respond to problems more effectively, and be more positive in your thinking. Best of all, you can discover these new skills in a non-judgmental and friendly environment of people who care about helping you change.

A key component in anger management is learning to increase your level of empathy. Empathy is the ability to feel the heart of another, to see through the eyes of another. Empathy is the finishing skill when teaching others or yourself how to stop bullying.

Shannon Munford is the owner of Daybreak Counseling Service to contact him or to find out about his work in the field of anger visit www.daybreakservices.com or call 310-995-1202

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