Pitchin' A Fit!

Taming the Meanie Monster

If you are a parent, you have been there. Children do things that test the limits of those of us who admire rationality and common sense. Our innate default in such moments is to respond badly. We all struggle with anger to some extent. It is only through learning what God has to say on the subject of anger, and through appropriating the power of the Holy Spirit, that we can escape the tyranny of our own tendencies and addictions.

If you struggle with habitual anger, there are several things you need to know.

1. You are not alone. Everyone struggles with this issue to some extent.
2. It is not okay. Left unchecked it will damage important relationships.
3. There is hope. There is freedom found in God’s Word to help you overcome this habitual sin.

We hope that you will join us on a mission to escape the trap of angry and stressed-out parenting. In this book, we will share with you a biblical view of anger, strategies for breaking life-long habits, and ways that you can build up and encourage your child rather than tear him or her down.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Stressed Out and Overwhelmed
2. Is It Wrong to Get Angry?
3. What Causes Anger?
4. Provoking Our Children to Wrath
5. Trigger Happy — What Sets You Off?
6. Yelling Moms, Hollering Dads
7. “But I’m Not Patient!”
8. What Patience Is and Isn’t
9. Nurture in the Heart of Correcting
10.The Power of Affirmation
11. Creating Peace in the Home
12. Accountability

Endorsements

I have known Israel and Brook Wayne and their children for many years. During that time I have had the joy of watching their family grow to now nine children. When it comes to parenting, they practice what they preach. Speaking from the perspective of a pastor, their children are some of the most well-behaved children I’ve ever had the blessing of being with. They behave better, and pay attention in church, more than some adults I know. Biblically parenting their children isn’t something they just do, it’s who they are. I only wish I had their insights to parenting when I raised my own. It would have made things easier.

Richard Grom, Calvary Chapel Sunset Coast

The Wayne’s have done a wonderful job of telling a story of the danger of anger in the family. Their transparency shows they have lived in our shoes and this lends credibility to their anger solutions. If we fall to temptation and sin in the area of anger, there is hope in repentance and confession as seen in their story. I was greatly encouraged by regularly pointing us to biblical truth. One of the keys of adopting what the Waynes are teaching is that it will help to build the foundation for long-term healthy relationships with our children as they move into adulthood. I would highly recommend this book and the study questions at the end of each chapter to help overcome all forms of anger in the home.

Todd Kangas, Director of Midwest Parent Educators

Scripture commands fathers to avoid exasperating their children and provoking them to anger. Yet our kid’s disobedience seems to naturally bring out the anger buried inside. So how are parents to reach the heart of our young children and shepherd them with grace and gentleness? I’m a firm believer in one of Brook’s and Israel’s suggestions to “slow down and sit down” when you are suddenly faced with a need to discipline a young one. After all, what’s the rush? Slowing down will help you as much as it will bless your children. Give it a try. I bet you will feel better about the whole process.

Davis Carman, President, Apologia Educational Ministries