By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
Your child has been humiliated, overpowered, rejected or has made a terrible mistake, failed miserably or harmed someone else...
At some point, let your children know the following fact: whatever has happened to them has definitely happened to others. Let them know that "there is nothing new under the sun." Why? Because sometimes children, with their very limited life experience, feel overwhelming shame when something really bad happens to them. When they learn that their experience is common among humans, it helps them feel healthier, less traumatized and more empowered. Keep this information in mind for yourself as well!
How to Get Your Spouse to Accept Your Parenting Advice....
"Do you think such & such might help?" is a great question to ask a spouse who is having trouble gaining the cooperation of a youngster. In fact, it works FAR BETTER than giving a directive like, "You can't do what you're doing - you need to do such & such!" People don't like to be told what to do. They're more likely to benefit from your wisdom/knowledge/experience when you tentatively offer it than when you authoritatively command it.
