Some kids will look at a controlling parent and bury them in frustration (Sorry, Mom).I know you want to help your kids grow out of childish behaviors and mature into adults who can cope without losing it, display empathy for others, and make thoughtful decisions.
I want to conclude our Getting Back to Basics series with the #1 conscious parenting principle.
Behavior is Communication
Behavior contains information about what kids need, how they feel, and it offers important clues about their level of skill to help you shift the direction of the situation.
Active Listening
Listening is a skill. It is about much more than passing judgment and demanding change. Listening to behavior involves being curious about your child's experience.
Behavior is driven by a combination of a few things:
A lack of warm, loving connections or too many harsh, critical interactions - whether at home or at school - can lower a child's tolerance for stress and change.
Criticism creates hyper-vigilance.
Intolerance with mistakes and poor behavior can trigger a storm of emotions which kids can't handle.
Punishment tells kids making mistakes is unacceptable and teaches them it is safer to lie and sneak around.
When kids feel:
- they may exhibit extreme reactions to any demand made on them because the feeling of powerlessness overrides their capacity to stay self-aware and calm.
Re-focus your efforts by addressing the what is underneath the behavior.
What is influencing your child's choices?
In the final video of our TEACHable Moments Back to Basics Series, we are going to formulate a plan to target the root cause of behavior in just three steps.
Mistakes are an opportunity to learn more - not a failure to do better. (Tweet it!)
After you watch, I'd love to know which area your children struggle with most and what is ONE thing you can do to support their growth and development?
Leave me a comment below and share your ideas because you never know when your story might just inspire someone else toward making the changes they were looking for.
Thank you for reading and watching and remember, conscious - not perfect!
Did you miss Part One or Part Two in the Getting Back to Basics Series?
Check them out here:
Part One: Discipline Burnout
Part Two: Breaking Bad Habits
Behavior contains information about what kids need, how they feel, and it offers important clues about their level of skill to help you shift the direction of the situation.
Active Listening
Listening is a skill. It is about much more than passing judgment and demanding change. Listening to behavior involves being curious about your child's experience.
Behavior is driven by a combination of a few things:
- (STRESS) your child's ability to understand and manage his/her emotional state.
- (SKILLS) how skilled your child is at self-regulation, communication, and decision-making. (these skills are primarily influenced by developmental milestones and not punitive restrictions or rewards)
- (SUPPORT) how connected your child feels to others.
A lack of warm, loving connections or too many harsh, critical interactions - whether at home or at school - can lower a child's tolerance for stress and change.
Criticism creates hyper-vigilance.
Intolerance with mistakes and poor behavior can trigger a storm of emotions which kids can't handle.
Punishment tells kids making mistakes is unacceptable and teaches them it is safer to lie and sneak around.
When kids feel:
- unheard at home
- judged for their behavior
- isolated or disconnected from others
- unable to meet the expectations of adults
- they may exhibit extreme reactions to any demand made on them because the feeling of powerlessness overrides their capacity to stay self-aware and calm.
Re-focus your efforts by addressing the what is underneath the behavior.
What is influencing your child's choices?
In the final video of our TEACHable Moments Back to Basics Series, we are going to formulate a plan to target the root cause of behavior in just three steps.
Mistakes are an opportunity to learn more - not a failure to do better. (Tweet it!)After you watch, I'd love to know which area your children struggle with most and what is ONE thing you can do to support their growth and development?
Leave me a comment below and share your ideas because you never know when your story might just inspire someone else toward making the changes they were looking for.
Thank you for reading and watching and remember, conscious - not perfect!
Talk soon,
Lori
Did you miss Part One or Part Two in the Getting Back to Basics Series?
Check them out here:
Part One: Discipline Burnout
Part Two: Breaking Bad Habits
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