Create space in your conversations with your children. Avoid misunderstandings and the irritations that follow. Be emotionally supportive whilst giving clear instructions that your child will listen to.
An example of a situation where you can break that chain and create space:
Take 1 At the playground
Child: “Dad, I want to be on the swing a little bit longer.”
Dad: “Come on, we’re going home I said. We have a swing in the garden where you can swing a bit more. “
Child: “But Dad, I want to be on this swing a little bit longer!”
Dad, visibly annoyed: “I’ve said we’re going now, hurry up! “
Recognizable? The dad is right, he said they were going home, and they likely have a swing at home. What causes all this friction with his child? Why isn’t she just listening?
Let’s see what happens when you are emotionally supportive, instead of only rational, whilst giving clear instructions:
Take 2 At the playground
Child: “Dad, I want to be on the swing a little bit longer.”
Dad: “That is too bad isn’t it, that we’re going home now. I see you would’ve liked to stay a little longer. It is time to go now, come on. “
Child: “Yes, I wanted to stay a bit more. Can we come back again soon?”
Dad: “Of course, let’s go. “
I am happy to help your family out with your specific situations in which you would like to create space and support your children emotionally. Contact me to book your session!
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