Quick Parenting Reset
Happy Thursday! You made it!
Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that if I could just find the perfect combination of words to explain something to my child, they’d finally, truly understand why I’m right.
The thing is, I’ve tried. And, more often than not… it doesn’t work. Here’s why:
When I focus so hard on convincing my kids to see it my way, I forget that they might have a completely different perspective. Even kids. Especially kids.
Their thinking may be based on less life experience and less information, but that doesn’t make them wrong — it just makes them young.
So what do I try to do instead? I tell myself the story from their point of view.
Are they whining because they want what they want right now? Yeah, I get it. I want that, too.
Are they pitching a fit because something didn’t go their way? Same. I know that flash of frustration and rage.
Are they furious because something’s happening too quickly — or not quickly enough? Wow, do I understand. Off-timing makes me incandescently irritated.
In all of these cases, when I pause and take their perspective, I can see where they’re coming from. The difference? I’ve had years to learn how to manage my wantiness, rage, and irritation. I’ve learned (mostly) that whining or falling apart doesn’t help me get what I want.
And our kids? They are just learning.
🧠 Real World Strategy: When your child is acting in ways that are unbecoming (we’ve all been there), avoid knee-jerk reactions — they usually make things worse. Instead, pause and tell yourself the story from their perspective. Then focus on helping them learn how to manage their big feelings, instead of shutting those feelings down.
🌊Current Clients – Want to dive deeper?
Perspective-taking is a game-changing skill for parents and kids alike. You can explore it further in Parenting in the Real World: Expand Your Perspective (Level 1, Course 2, Section 3). And, as always, let’s talk it out in one of our group coaching calls. See you there!
📚Resource of the Week:
Curious what I’m talking about? This spring, I launched my Parenting in the Real World online program exclusively for coaching clients. In August, it opens to new families, too! Want a sneak peek? Visit the “Program” page of my website.
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If you feel like it’s hard to see it from your child’s point of view, reach out here. Parenting doesn’t have to be this hard.
You’ve got this.
Cari
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