Some children seem pre-wired, knowing precisely what buttons to push to get under your skin. You can trust me on this one. I was a children's teacher for a decade and have experienced rapscallions of every walk of life—or at least every age group. No matter how many times you warn, chide, reprimand, or threaten to involve their parents, they keep defacing your classroom while spouting expertly-designed insults at you and their peers.

But at the end of the class, they go home. And while they are likely aggravating their parents somewhere else, I can at least relax--and drink away the schoolyard trauma that re-emerged in the wake of their abuse. Sob.

How to Deal with Anger as a Parent

Manga artist and mother, Kotori (@mamakyoja) struggles controlling a rambunctious 2-year-old son. Like every parent, she is a human being who occasionally makes mistakes. She recently posted a manga story, explaining the first time she yelled at her son. She also provides a thoughtful response to how overwhelmed parents can face their emotions.

Reproduced with permission from Kotori (@mamakyoja)

Reproduced with permission from Kotori (@mamakyoja)

Reproduced with permission from Kotori (@mamakyoja)

Reproduced with permission from Kotori (@mamakyoja)

Reproduced with permission from Kotori (@mamakyoja)

Kotori gallantly admits that she lost her temper and the thoughts and emotions she had after yelling at her son. She took the time to introspect and share her insights. Even though it's tempting to rely on yelling, it's certainly not the best choice for her or her son.

A few readers took a moment to respond:

    “I understand what you went through. I have to be very careful myself.” “This isn’t just true of parents and children, but all relationships in life.”

It seems readers agree that resisting bad impulses and confronting personal shortfalls are an important part of parenting. If "lead by example" applies here, hopefully we can raise more thoughtful and empathetic children by following Kotori's example.

Be sure to check out the illustrator's other posts on her Twitter account.


By - Luke Mahoney.