Things for Parents To Say
To Help A Child
Ward Off A Mad Attack

"Stop and think. Make a good choice."

"Remember to breathe when your tummy gets tight. Breath. Let's breathe together."

"Use your words, not your fists. People are not for hurting."

"You can do it. I know you can get your mads under control."

I understand, right now you are feeling mad. Still, you can't hurt people, things or yourself."

"You are the kind of kid who can take care of his own bad feelings."

"Go to a safe place and draw out your mads."

"You have a choice: Talk out your feelings or go to time out and get your mads under control."

"Well, I'm feeling mad right now myself. I'm going to go cool off, then we'll talk."

"I know how you feel. Sometimes I get mad myself. Then I tell myself, "It's OK to be mad if you are nice about it."

"Thanks for sharing your angry feelings. Good choice in using your words!"

"We are learning to be a 'Speak your feelings' kind of family. No more 'Mad Family' for us."

"I believe in you. Sometimes it's tough, isn't it?"

"You are one terrific kid!"

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This information is from the book, The Mad Family Gets Their Mads Out ($9.95 +$3 s&h from Talk, Trust and Feel Therapeutics * 1120 Buchanan Avenue * Charleston, IL 61920 * 217-345-2982)). Text and illustrations are copyright 1995 Lynne Namka.

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