Patience over anger

The tower they built all morning gets knocked over by a little brother, and the shout comes before anyone can stop it. Telling them not to be angry rarely helps, because the anger is already there. What often helps is a bit of time before the next thing they say, and room to come back with an “I’m sorry I shouted” once it has cooled.

Anger flares fast and usually settles again with a little time and a calm grown-up nearby. Staying close, naming it in a few words, “you’re really cross,” and breathing or counting slowly together helps young children practise that wait.