When you feel hurt or angry about an online post or message, it's best not to respond right away. You may want to write a response immediately, to get it off your chest, but don't hit send! Sleep on it and then reread and rewrite your response the next day.

Remember, not responding is an option. You may be too upset to respond in the way that you would like, or it may not be worthy of a response

Ask them what they think about the post and the response you plan to send. Having input from others who are hopefully more objective can help you to step back from the situation and look at it differently

Do your best to keep in mind the person on the other end. You are not physically or virtually present with them to clarify what you meant, and they can't see the kindness in your eyes. They must rely entirely on your words to interpret your meaning, intent, and tone. This is why it's important to choose your words carefully and thoughtfully.

One of the biggest mistakes children (and adults) make is to respond online. Pick up the phone or meet the person face-to-face. You can then ensure neither party is misunderstood and resolve things more peacefully.