You want: a peaceful home where you model self-control.

You have: regrettable reactions when the kids baptize the cat.

Your children, whom you dearly love and usually like, are bickering upstairs, baiting each other across the invisible line on the back seat, or causing the laptop to bellyflop on the linoleum. The end of your rope vanished along with the chance to enjoy a hot cup of coffee.

How can you handle your real-life kids and real-life stress without flipping your lid or locking yourself in the bathroom?

With been-there humor, Janel Breitenstein offers wisdom and practical strategies pulled from God's approach to conflict. In this boots-on-the-ground field guide, you'll find

• empowering tips to parent smarter, not harder—with greater emotional intelligence and intentional discipleship;


• thoughtful questions to help you dive into the "whys" beneath your anger;


• group discussion prompts; and


• "cooling" prayers.

It's time for an inner exploration that will clear your path and your mind. You can calmly and confidently raise your kids, lower your voice, and shape a home of peace.