Category: Gifts of Character

When we talk about self control, one of the hardest moments is when we are being criticized by another person. Especially if the other person is someone close to us, a family member in particular. Have you ever noticed how difficult it can be when a husband or wife, mother or father criticizes? It may even trigger something inside of us from a previous event that makes it difficult to maintain our self control.

Here is a 5 step process to maintain self control and not have even more damage control to do later in the relationship.

1. Be willing to accept criticism. If we say the first thing that pops into our head it may be retaliatory and we probably have not thought about the position of the other person. Most of the time the criticism is given with good intentions, and while we may not agree with it at that moment, learning to accept that the other person sees us in this way may help us in our relationship.
2. Take a time out. Reacting to the person in the heat of the moment may find us saying or doing something that we will later regret. We need at least 20 minutes to allow the adrenaline to slow down – sometimes more time. This is not a time to drive a car or beat a pillow, but is time to take some deep breaths, take a walk and cool off. (if you do leave the situation set a time that you will return and do not just stomp out)
3. Do not bring up the past. When we have cooled down and we have started the conversation back up with the person that spoke to us, we do not want to bring up past events or things said. This only fuels both parties anger.
4. Listen. Of course we want to tell our side of the story, but if you truly want to bring peace to a situation listen first to how the other person is feeling – really listen. You may find an area that deserves your apology and the other person if they feel listened to, will be more likely to hear your thoughts too.
5. Say, “I am sorry.” Contrary to the belief of some – all humans have the ability to use those words and when done so in a sincere manner are very helpful in getting everyone in better control. Especially if this is a family member that you have a disagreement with, just ask yourself, ‘If this was my best friend, how would I talk to them, what would I say?’

Self control and anger control or management are two subjects that are very close in nature. During the month of March we will be talking about anger management. In addition I will be teaching a class for Anne Arundel Community College on anger management for kids. I am looking forward to sharing that experience with everyone.

There are three ways of responding to any situation; passively, assertively, aggressively. The way we respond requires self control and has a direct affect on our own self esteem. Our ability to control how we respond demonstrates the respect we have ourselves and others. For parents of young children we want them to learn to stand up for themselves in a manner that they can have respect for themselves and their requests while demonstrating respect for those that they are speaking to.

So lets say that our child is on the playground and a situation arises that is aggressive behavior towards them, someone is on purpose excluding them from a game or they have pushed them away from a playground toy not allowing them to play on the slide or swings. They have asked nicely their companion to have a turn or to play with no good results. One of the steps we teach them is to speak to an adult about any situation they do not know how to handle. So they go to the playground teacher. Continue reading “Assertive speech requires self control, yields self esteem”

Taking time to think through our choices, not doing the first thing that pops into our head is a lot easier for us to say than for us or our children to do. When I ask our students if they have ever said something or done something that after it was done or said – they wish they could get it back, because they knew it was not a good choice, virtually all of them said it had happened to them before.

Our behavior and words are ours and only us as individuals can control our behavior. Unfortunately when our emotions are high either in anger, frustration or excitement we do or say something that doesn’t work out well and we suffer the consequences.

For adults and our older students we are suggesting the STEP method of training ourselves. (1) STOP. take a break, step away, take some calming breaths. (2) THINK. what are some solutions I might take. (3) EVALUATE. for each solution we come up with ask, is it safe, is it fair, will it work? (4) PROCEED make a choice of a solution that meets the requirements and take action. Ask yourself, Is there any better solutions?

For our young students we talked to them about our brain being like a stop light. If we just GO without stopping first things might happen that would not be safe or fair. So when we are angry, sad, excited or impatient we want to Red Light – STOP and think Yellow Light – Slow down and think what are my solutions? Green Light – choose one that you are willing to accept any consequences and GO!

Using this with our children is an example of emotional coaching, guiding our children to discover answers within themselves versus us telling them “Stop behaving like that.”

How can we help you?  Our classes, coaching or advocacy work will give you that extra voice in helping your children learn these important skills.

Each month we discuss a life skill with all of our students.  This month the word is Self Control and will be defined in the following ways for our students.  

Young students:  “I stop and think before I act!”

Older students: Taking the time to think through choices rather than acting on impulse.

Each age group has a worksheet that parents can use to continue the discussion at home with their children, and one for adults to allow them to think more deeply about the life skill and how it applies to them.  Would you like to receive the worksheet?  Just send us an email and tell us the age of your child you would like to share this with.  We will email it and you can follow our discussions here on our website.

If you would like to become a member of Balanced Life Skills, come a TRY A CLASS FREE.  We are not your typical martial arts school.  Balanced Life Skills works with school aged children to increase their focus, confidence and life skills.  We teach the arts of physical fitness, self defense, creativity while also encouraging community engagement and service.