Keep Calm – Tips On Dealing With Bad Days

 What about those days when your child gives you attitude, does work begrudgingly, and generally makes your life miserable? Thoughts of throwing in the towel and planting them on a yellow school bus can dance into your mind. You can, however, make it through the day successfully and make it meaningful. Try one or all of these tips.


 1. Create the best atmosphere you can. 

Without realizing it, we sometimes cause stress when we aren’t structured, focused, and have a plan. A child functions best when they clearly have in mind what is expected of them. It is even better if the same structure or methods are used regularly. Even if you have a different thing you do each day, is it done every Monday each week? If your school is set up that way, then prepare the child by stating that today is Monday (insert whatever day), so as usual, this is what we will be doing. They will come to expect the routine and either look forward to it, or brace up for a challenging day – which is not always a bad thing.

2. Troubleshoot

Do you have bad days? Do you ever feel grumpy or get sick? Sometimes we forget that our children experience the same things from time to time. If this is an ongoing thing, then we need to figure out what is causing the problem. Sometimes, it can be as simple as getting more rest or having a breakfast that is protein filled for brain power. At other times more serious issues may be causing the less than cooperative spirit. If you are having more tough days than rewarding ones, perhaps this is something to look into.

3. View it as an opportunity to teach self control. 

Use this time to help your child to learn how to control their emotions and responses. This is tough. But when done lovingly and consistently, you will teach them how to deal with negative situations effectively. Outside the home, sometimes a nasty response or bad attitude can lead to big problems. It is important to give our kids the tools they need to be the best they can be even when grumpy or not at optimal health.

One method of dealing with bad feelings is to write them out – if they can. If your child is too young to write, then talk it out. For these young ones, watching short videos on dealing with emotions can help them get over the grumpies. There are a plethora of these available on PBSKids, NickJr, and so on.

4. View it as an opportunity to teach respect for authority.

It’s not unusual for a child to occasionally have a bad attitude or even challenge your ability as a “teacher”. Again, this is a perfect time to set the thinking straight. You are in charge. No matter where the child goes now or in the future, someone else will be in charge. Therefore, no time like the present to get used to that fact and respect it. Be careful of doubting your ability as a teacher. Now that they have questioned your qualifications, you may wonder if they are right. Only you can answer that. But it is important to keep in mind that you likely taught them how to brush their teeth, tie their shoes, how to use the bathroom, and many more things. You most likely are qualified to teach them more- even if it means learning together.

5. Use this time to set a good example.


When one of my children is in a bad mood, I notice this make me miserable as well. Most likely because I want to fix what’s wrong and I can’t or there isn’t a quick fix. These are perfect times to work on ourselves and not be reactive. As hard as it may be to not get upset and lash out, it is important to remain calm. Kids learn more effectively from seeing an example instead of hearing a lecture. While we are troubleshooting problems or adjusting attitudes we must keep calm yet authoritative.

Try it out. The next time you have one of those days - reflect on 1 or all 5 of these tips.

  • Create a stress free learning experience with structure and routine.
  • Troubleshoot bad days.
  • Use this time to teach your child to deal with bad moods correctly.
  • Use this time to teach your child to respect authority. It will serve them for the rest of their life.
  • Set a good example in dealing with challenging situations.


Remember that tomorrow is a new start and the new start will be easier if we don’t create a huge problem today. Be a part of the solution!