Emotional Support

Hi Parents
There is nothing more comforting than having the support of loved ones.  Teenagers, when asked,  said the one thing they wished their parents would do more of  is JUST LISTEN to them.  Listening is a great way to show your support.  It's not that easy!   As parents, we tend to judge and try to fix the problem.   Allowing our children to figure it out on their own is the best way for them to learn and grow to be strong and confident.  So, how do we as parents get our children to actually talk to us...and then just listen? Here are some helpful hints:  DOS: Focused attention, compassion, soft eyes,  sharing similar experiences,  communicating your faith in them, mirroring their emotions.  DON'TS:  Advice giving, disdain, criticism, flat affect, fault finding, showing irritation, mocking their feelings.  Children who need emotional support don't always ask.  As parents we need to know when the time is right to give it freely.  If you or anyone you know would like to hear more about the benefits of emotional support,  please contact me @ParentZing.com
Happy Parenting