Going straight forward...antlers 6th thread.

[antlers]

I'm learning that I have to accept/acknowledge my kid's unhappy feelings...if I try to push their bad feelings away, the more they become stuck in em'. The more comfortable I am in accepting their bad feelings, the easier it is for them to let go of em'. I guess you gotta be prepared to allow the expression of unhappiness.

I have to learn how to deal with all of their anger, hurt, frustration, etc....and still maintain my coolness and sanity.

Empathy.

Listen.

Sometimes I don't listen to my kids (or others for that matter). I wait for them to finish talking so I can say what I have to say. There's a difference between the two. Real listening is hard. I have to concentrate more if I'm not gonna just give a routine response.

I'm gonna become a better listener, not just to my kids, but to everyone I interact with.