At Advent Home, boys may be angry with their parents for divorce or adoption, or get frustrated when they cannot function in class. Whatever the cause, anger is a normal human emotion which every one of us should learn to manage. Many new students at Advent Home yell, curse or break things to vent their anger. Others withdraw, become depressed, blame or sulk.  Sound familiar?  Most of us have probably resorted to these techniques ourselves! Fortunately, there is a better way.  Here are some practical, constructive techniques:

•  Take time out to calm down, count slowly to ten
•  Get active! Jog, swim, chop wood
•  Don’t exaggerate or “awfulize” situations
•  Get help from others
•  Talk things out calmly; avoid emotional, accusing statements
•  Relax, use humor to diffuse tension
•  Seek restoration; admit your own faults and forgive others
Ideally, anger can be eliminated by prayer and surrender to God. Ask Him for help, and remember these great promises: “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Ephesians 4:26. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James 1:19.