We all know that being a parent can be tough, but hurting your children is never the solution. The next time you start losing your patience, try some of these tips, created by the YWCA of the U.S.A. for its annual YWCA Week Without Violence. [1]

• Take a deep breath. And another. Remember, you are the adult.
• Press your lips together and count to 10 or higher.
• Close your eyes. Pretend you're hearing what your child is about to hear.
• Put your child in a time-out chair. (One minute for each year of age.)
• Put yourself in a time-out chair. Think about why you are angry. Is it your child, or is your child simply a convenient target for your anger?
• Phone a friend.
• If someone can watch your child, go outside and take a walk.
• Take a warm bath.
• Splash water on your face.
• Turn on some music. Maybe even sing along.
• Hug a pillow.
• Write down as many helpful words as you can think of. Save the list.