Chances are, as a parent, you've had moments you don't exactly feel proud of. Whether you yelled at your child or said something that you regretted immediately afterwards, these moments often leave parents feeling defeated.

We all get overwhelmed by emotions at times — it's totally normal. When we're flooded with feelings, we struggle to make rational and helpful decisions. And sometimes, the decisions we do make in those moments can hurt those around us. It happens, but it doesn't mean we can't move forward or make amends. When we lose our cool in front of our kids, though, it can really feel like a personal failure.

First, let's acknowledge this: parenting is hard! Parents are human (yes, even you) and humans make mistakes.

But there's more good news — you can actually use these moments to build your relationship with your kids and send them an important message. When you make intentional choices about how to respond AFTER losing your cool, you can model communication, relationship repair, and conflict resolution skills for your child.

The following tips can help you repair the relationship between you and your child after losing your cool, and show you how to use these moments as a learning opportunity for you both.

First and foremost, give yourself grace.

A perfect parent doesn't exist, and it's totally normal to make mistakes. You wouldn't expect anyone else to be 100% fault-free, right? So, after you mess up, be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend going through the same thing. Plus, the truth is, your kids actually learn so much from watching you make those mistakes and seeing how you handle them. Remind yourself that losing your cool is temporary, but what you teach your child after it happens can leave a lasting positive impact.

Identify and give yourself what you need.

In case of emergency, flight attendants always instruct parents to put on their own oxygen masks before placing one on their child. Why? Because you can't help your child without making sure you're getting the oxygen you need, first. In order to help your child, you have to help yourself.