Skill 23
Back away to deescalate
Sometimes the best anger management response is to simply back away to reduce anger's heat in a confrontation. As a parent, however, you should never back away if the child's behavior is dangerous, violent, or morally unacceptable.

If counting to ten does not reduce the level of your anger, though, and you feel that your own anger may get out of control, backing away from the conflict or leaving the situation may be the best course of action.

Backing away is different from taking a time out. When you take a time out, you are restoring some emotional balance within yourself so you can return. Backing away is more like a deliberate escape from the anger of another person.

Next: Summary of choosing and action