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We've all been there. It's eight o'clock in the morning. You have managed to get all three kids in the car and you have eight minutes to get them to school on time. Everyone buckles their seat belts and you're off. One block into your drive, an elderly woman is crossing the street, slower than your Uncle Chuck, who has a walker and a missing leg. One minute is knocked off of your commute. Although you hate to admit it, the slow walker sparked an irritable nerve in you. You shrug it off and forge ahead. Now, you are behind a bus that does not pull over into the bus lane to pick up passengers (that would be too polite) but instead, stops in the middle of the street, just far enough over that you cannot possibly squeeze around the other side. The line of people waiting to board the bus slowly dwindles as three more minutes disappear in your race to prevent the dreaded tardy. At the next corner, you hang a left and change your route to avoid the possibility of another bus or pedestrian that will hinder the attainment of a timely arrival. Three blocks without a problem. Thinking all of your woes are behind you, you put the pedal to the metal and sail onward. Just then, an enormous Hummer butts out into the street without checking it's rear view. Screeeeeeeeeech! That's it! Your middle finger flies through the air, and oops- the kids. Down it goes to open the window as you clear your throat, to unleash that irritable nerve that has been twitching for the past few blocks. Whether or not you choose to fight this battle becomes a choice between safety and ego. Is it worth it? Did that driver personally attack or offend you? No. They were just trying to get their kids to school or get to work on time, but for some odd reason, the rational mindset quickly fades when a steering wheel is between our hands. So, what should a parent or caregiver do in this situation? 1. Breath. Breath like a woman in labor! Yes, you may laugh at this, but Lamaze or other breathing techniques are proven to be excellent ways to take your mind off of the pain or the stress and relax! Breathing also brings oxygen to your brain, so you can think more clearly. 2. Don't talk on your cell phone and drive . Simply make and follow a rule that you will not talk on the phone unless you are lost or in an emergency while driving. You will not suffer from anything other than a lack of momentary social contact, but you will be better able to focus on the task at hand and avoid possible collisions. It just isn't safe, no matter how good of a driver you are. Enjoy the peace and quiet of not talking (on the phone anyway) for a few moments in your day! 3. Avoid using hand gestures, unless you use simple waves of thank you or to acknowledge someone else's turn to proceed. Getting upset and letting the anger control you will not help the situation. Flipping the bird or raising clenched fists will only raise your blood pressure and make you look like the jerk. 4. Remember not to take it personally when someone cuts you off or does something that makes you upset. Keep in mind that if you think the person did not make a good decision, it had nothing to do with you! Move on. They are trying to get to wherever they are going just as you are. 5. Think about the fact that you are a role model for your kids. They are watching and studying everything you do. If you do not want your kids to act the way you are, then quit being a baby and breath through it! Congressional Testimony on Road Rage Road Rage Anger Management
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Communication 
