FamilyLife Blended® con Ron L. Deal

Parenting a troubled child always begins with managing ourselves first.

If your child is sad, angry, or depressed you feel something, too. If you’re aggravated your response will likely be dismissive or sharp. If you’re worried you may try to fix them. Both of these responses are self-serving.  Start by noticing your emotions. Then listen to your child and hear beneath their words. Sadness in a child says something is missing. Anger says “I’m hurt or frustrated;” and feeling alone reflects a desire to belong. Help your child with that and then you’re really helping.