Parents can lose their temper when they don’t want to. Often they are trying to explain an important idea that is communicated in a way that is not helpful to adult or child. When this happens it can be useful for Mom or Dad to apologize for the tones they used. A simple, “I am sorry,” or “I am sorry for yelling at you.” can model many important things for young people and can help parents find another time to try again in a more effective way.

(When apologizing there can be a temptation to add a phrase such as “if you would stop doing ______, I wouldn’t have to yell.” That is often a less effective apology. )