And More Patience

So what does it mean to be patient with our kids and ourselves? We're in the middle of often busy lives, trying to get to work on time, get groceries, fulfill our commitments. Parents ask "Am I supposed to just give up on everything else to patient with my child?"

You don't need to give up on other things, but when your child is feeling anxious or upset, you can listen and care.

If you have to get somewhere or do something, consider how much time the issue is already taking. Will it take longer to listen than it takes to argue or threaten or plead? Probably not.

Even if there isn't time to listen to everything your child wants (needs?) to say, you can be present for them in a loving and accepting way. "Wow, this is a hard morning. I love you!" rather than "Just calm down before you ruin my whole morning, can't anything ever be simple around here?" can make a big difference! Your child may not feel a lot better, but they aren't going to feel worse.

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