Anger:

If you’ve seen the Pixar film “Inside Out,” you can probably identify with the little, red, disgruntled character Anger standing at the control panel, punching the other emotions aside, fire billowing from his head, flipping the reactionary switch up to full-throttle.

The imagery pokes lightly at a reaction we are all familiar with, but the reality is anger can be difficult to confront. As mothers, it is likely something we battle on a daily basis – and often feel defeated by. Why does it seem so impossible to control at times? What is that inexplicable heat that burns from our bodies and sets fire to world around us in a moment of rage? How do we douse the flames?

Anger can feel so big internally, it seeks to consume us. This can feel powerful or vulnerable. It can lead us to harbor guilt or even shame. Join us as we explore anger together.

ARTICLE IDEAS:
• They say anger isn’t a primary emotion, that it’s a reaction to something deeper and more vulnerable. What are general categories we’re experiencing anger? (Potential example categories: ambitions are challenged, safety is questioned, we feel “unseen,” expectations are unmet.)
• 5 Phrases to Help Kids Diffuse Anger, and how each is a unique approach.
• 3 Ways Anger Can Be Productive
• Anger might mean something in our life needs to change – 4 Tips for Making Changes in Your Own Routine or for Your Family – getting rid of things that make you angry.
• 4 Tips for Temper-Tantrum Management
• 3 Pros and Cons to Anger – Anger can show us a lot about ourselves, anger can also breed bitterness.
• The Art of the Apology – apologizing after we mess up. (Pick one or all: mom to kids, wife to husband, teaching kids to apologize to each other.)
• Psychological and even physical repercussions anger can have on our health.
• A story of when you lost your cool – humorous, humbling or heart-felt.
• Moving beyond disagreements to reconciliation – with husbands or friends (maybe considering the current political climate, or in general).
• DIY guide to calming practices, including essential oils.
• Are moms not supposed to get angry?

Submission Deadline – March 23, 2016

How to Submit

To add your voice to the conversation, send your submission to content@MOPS.org.

Submission Information

For more information about the tone of our materials and our submission process go to www.themom.co/writers-guidelines (Insider hint: We take these very seriously, so it’s important you take a peek before submitting.)

Submission Process

Just so you know, all articles are received on speculation. We will respond to all submissions when they are received to confirm submission with the submission agreement. If your article is selected for publishing, we will email you in advance with the date we will be publishing and the permalink for your records.

And Since You Always Ask

Yes, you may send material that has been previously posted. Just make sure it meets our editorial needs first. Because, again, we take those pretty seriously.

What About General Content?

Yes, we certainly accept general articles about parenting, mothering and woman-related issues. In fact, we’re always up for a good tear-jerker or one of those stories that gets us laughing. We welcome those submissions through the same submissions process, but we should tell you up front that since we’re a theme-based magazine, we only publish a few.