Instead, she said, “I kicked my flip-flop over the fence.”

She was almost in tears as she said it, but I couldn’t hold in my laughter. I asked what happened. She told me that she got mad at her brother for saying that they needed goals while kicking the ball, and she didn’t want to play that way. She kicked the ball in anger and lost her flip-flop in the process.

After she took a deep breath and calmed down, I sent them next door to see if anyone could retrieve the flip-flop. The kids came in saying no one was home next door. I sat with my daughter and told her we would try again later. Then we talked about the result of reacting in anger. I also told her she ought to wear real shoes to kick a ball.

This situation led me to think about all the times I’ve overreacted and all the ways I’ve learned to control my reactions and respond in more productive ways. I have years of experience to share with my children when they struggle with big emotions. So often the temptation to react to a situation only leads to more problems. Take a breath, evaluate the problem, and form a solution.

As I started supper, I sent her brother next door again, and the flip-flop was recovered. The neighbor also laughed. Once the problem was solved and the big emotions had passed, we could all laugh about the unfortunate flip-flop.

The next time you get angry, take a breath, and don’t kick your flip-flop over the fence!

Image recreated. No flip-flops were harmed in the writing of this blog.