When Parents are Angry

11/12/2012

We 'invest in human capital' in order to increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). But the purpose of GDP, after all, is to make lives better now and for generations to come. Children look ahead. They tug us away from our immediate self-interest toward a longer run concern for the future of something bigger and more difficult to define.
Nancy Folb

"Dealing with angry, upset, or dissatisfied parents can elicit a range of uncomfortable feelings in us," acknowledges Madhavi Sudarsana in her article, "Stepping Out of our Comfort Zone: Strategies for Addressing Conflicts with Parents," in the newest Exchange Essential article collection — Working with Parents.

"This has a physiological component as well. The angry parent might be interpreted as a threat. The center for emotions in our brain, the amygdala, then reacts either with fear or anger. Both of these emotions, if unchecked, hinder communication:

When we try to flee a situation because we’re scared, we become defensive.
On the other hand, when we experience anger then we might attack, ending up accusing or blaming the parent.

"Understanding these natural — albeit unhelpful — responses can help us to handle situations better."

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