(From the Second Edition of Peace: The Other Side of Anger)
During my presentations various photos are displayed asking how these symbols might be helpful in revealing the hidden sources of anger in teenagers. The photo of an onion, which has many layers, can be equated with unraveling the layers of covering necessary to discovering the hidden causes of this emotion.
How do we accomplish this difficult task?
A three step process assisting adults in discovering hidden causes of an adolescent’s anger is highlighted in the book, with the following suggestions being recommended:
- Noticing and remarking about an expression on a teen’s face or such behavior as slamming a door, or walking quickly past you may create an, “I do not want to talk about it”, response. However, your awareness of these reactions may open the door to a later conversation.
- Relating an incident occurring in a young person’s neighborhood, school or within a relationship between two friends or siblings may bring about a nod, a reaction or even a response to their own situation.
- Describing a situation in a movie, television program on YouTube on TikTok may provide another conversation door opener.
You never know what might work unless you try!
