Only a fool repeatedly does the same thing, and expects a different outcome.
Recently I taught Career and Personal Planning classes to groups of grade 6 and 7s. We have been working on bullying and kindness. The point of this lesson is that we are all capable of being bullies in certain situations, and in these moments, when we are not our best selves, we can make better choices. We discussed those situations at home, like fighting with our parents or little brother/sister that can feel like we’re caught in a script, following along the same words and coming to the same end- punches, slamming doors, hurt feelings. We know the ending from the first word, because the behaviors are so entrenched. The kids could relate to this.
The challenge was to change. Instead of responding the same way, they were to respond a different way. Instead of joining the fight, they were to say something complimentary, or walk away, or give a gift. Don’t do the expected thing. Changing the response changes the ending. The kids monitored the changes and reported their experience. Universally, they diffused the fight. Some were more successful than others, but all were astounded by how one small change in reaction, changed everything.
When you find yourself entrenched in a hopelessly repetitious circle, make one change in reaction and see how it alters the world.
Shawn L. Bird 
that works with my 7 year old when he is about to blow up at his little brother. If I can calmly say something that helps defuse his anger, its over so much more quickly! Hopefully he will start to learn to do this on his own soon 😉 I don’t plan on phone him when he is 30 to calm a temper tantrum ! LOL!