Nancy Samalin Quotes & Sayings

There are no miraculous responses that will make intense feelings of fear, rage, sadness, and jealousy just disappear in a cloud of smoke. — Nancy Samalin

I suggested to Jean that she try an exercise that many people find helpful. I call it the "Bug/Brag List." I asked her to take a sheet of paper and on one side write "Things That Bug Me About Serena." Then, on the other side, to write "Things I Appreciate About Serena." I thought she might be surprised at the outcome. — Nancy Samalin

Our goal, then, is not to eliminate the feelings of anger from our parental repertoire. We couldn't, even if we wanted to. Rather, it is to find ways to express ourselves when we are angry that do not hurt, insult, demean, or inspire revenge and rage in our children. — Nancy Samalin

If spanking worked, we'd only have to do it once. — Nancy Samalin

Unchecked expressions of anger often lead to our making negative statements that communicate to our children that we think they are unlovable. — Nancy Samalin

How can we express our natural feelings of anger without hurting our children or attacking their self-esteem? And, at the same time, how can we teach our children to express their own feelings of anger in ways that are helpful, not hurtful? — Nancy Samalin