1. For each of your children, write a list of three or four situations that you want to be different regarding their behavior. Perhaps it has to do with the morning routine, or how they treat their sibling, how the way doing homework seems to be a battle each day. Don’t feel you need to write a comprehensive list of everything. Just the big ones that pop into your head that represent the ones that create the most significant stress or frustration. 2. Put this list away for a day or two, and then look it over to see if perhaps there are ones you want to add or eliminate. This will help you recognize if you were responding out of momentary feelings, or if the items are representative of genuine systemic challenges you or your children face. 3. For each of the situations, write down a basic sentence of why this concerns you. Then, ask yourself why that is a concern. And then a third time. Each time you are going deeper into understanding what is the core concern. 4. Now comes the moment of truth. Ask yourself what is the fear behind the why? What is truly making you nervous, anxious, sad, etc? 5. Now, take out a new sheet of paper and write down a new set of wants based on your reflections.
At this point, you may want to sit with these thoughts for a while. And when you are ready, see if you can use this deeper awareness to communicate your concerns to your children. Or, you may find that you want to let some of your concerns guide you in adjusting your parenting priorities, shifting what you are focusing on. Sometimes, it can be constructive to stop, breathe, and reflect. Take in the scenery and put things in perspective. Parenting is a journey; we often learn as we go. As always, you are never alone – reach out if you want support, guidance, or tools. Enjoy the moment.Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 350 highly trained support staff. Allied serves over 180,000 patients with offices throughout Greater New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and beyond. Founded in 2006, Allied Physicians Group is a recognized leader in increasing healthcare efficiencies and patient satisfaction, emphasizing support, innovation, and collaboration. If you are looking for a Pediatrician near you click here or for more information please visit https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com/.