Brilliant, right?

One great way to course correct when you see a collision coming, or when you find yourself sitting in a pile of emotional wreckage, is to ask for a "Do-Over."

Kids love to pretend. They instinctively use play to heal emotional wounds. And they love the idea that together you can rewrite the script to create a better ending. So Do-Overs can be the perfect way to repair when you're off track. Do-Overs acknowledge that we aren't perfect -- but we're family, and we'll always work things out.

Here's how.

1. Stop, Drop and Breathe.

When you notice you've somehow gotten on the wrong path, just Stop. Drop your agenda, just for a moment. Your first priority is to calm yourself, your second is to reconnect. Take a few deep breaths, and say "I'm sorry, I was getting anxious.  Let's have a do-over, ok? What I meant to say was......"

2. If you were a less than stellar role model in the anger management department, you'll have to apologize first.

Then, suggest the Do-Over. Don't worry, your child won't lose respect for you. He'll start to see that maturity means not being perfect, but being willing to take responsibility, make amends and try again. (How [and When] To Apologize To Your Child)

3. Reconnect with a big hug before you suggest the Do Over.

She needs to know that you still love her before she's ready for play. And remember that many children need to discharge a little emotion before they're ready for a Do-Over, so she might burst into tears either when you apologize, or even a few hours later. She's not only letting go of her anger, but the fear of losing you that was triggered by your conflict.

4. Don't expect yourself to be perfect.

But if you find yourself apologizing to your child frequently, that's a red flag. What's wrong in your life that's making you lose it with your kid so frequently? You're the grownup, so you're the one who has to address the underlying issues so that you can give your child the best of yourself. All parents need support from time to time; there's no shame in asking for help. The only shame would be reneging on your responsibility as a parent by hurting your child physically or psychologically. So don't wait; find whatever support you need to learn to self-regulate. (Is that some coaching or counseling? My Online Course that parents say has transformed their families?)

5. Agree on a family signal that your children can use if you don't notice your voice getting louder.

My daughter would interject "Mom, is it time for a do-over?"  whenever I started to get upset. Before long, she began using it as a way to regulate her own emotions or heal a rift between us.

6. Don't be surprised if your kids start asking for Do-Overs when they've drawn your ire.

Be generous and always let them start again. You want them practicing their best selves; it trains the subconscious to produce that better behavior as the default.

So next time you find yourself in the middle of an emotional train wreck with your kids, try a family Do-Over. Just rewrite the script for a happier ending!

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"I love this! We have a "restart" or "retry" and it always helps us reconnect and practise how we wished we'd behaved, so our enduring memory then isn't of the argument but instead of that apology and reconnection. I genuinely can't remember the details of any of the actual arguments and yet I remember using this and getting a warm fuzzy feeling. My husband and I also now often do this when we disagree, and my daughter spontaneously does it with her baby brother too (which is incredibly cute)." - Bex