Posted on December 06, 2010 by admin

Hey we’re learning too and each child is different. Admit your own confusion and mistakes. Apologize when appropriate. Show your daughter that just like them, you too are also “a work in progress.” 

What a great way to model compassion, understanding and flexibility. Did you feel understood by adults when you were a child/teen? If so, try and recall what made you feel that way. If not, consider this your chance to break that cycle.

You can share her perspective and understand her more through some simple empathy and concern. Remember that you do not always have to have all the answers. Although I know you wish you would!

Instead of focusing on the huge social changes between your childhood and hers focus on the things that are the same. After all, some of those basic struggles have the ability to span generations. Will I fit in? Will people like me? Am I heard, respected, and understood? Who am I?

Elissa Bowes, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, a nationally board certified, registered Art Therapist, works with emotionally challenged, and at-risk children, adolescents, adults, and families and as a consultant to organizations throughout New Jersey. Request her FREE report, “Is Your Daughter Driving You NUTS? 10 Things You Must Know To Keep You From Losing Your Mind Or Pulling Out Your Hair In The Process” by visiting www.higherartnj.com .