‘How do I give my twelve year old freedom but also keep an eye on her without her thinking that I don’t trust her?’
Parent Coach Val Mullally replies:
I think if I had the conclusive answer on that one I’d have the mega-million book sales. But what I do know is that I would have done differently if I’d known when my kids were in their teens what I know now.
Here’s some key insights to meeting her needs and yours.
A Young Mother’s Experience: I was aware that something was wrong when Hannah was 24 hours old. On being discharged from the hospital we had been given a checklist of symptoms that required immediate contact with the hospital. In the past 6 hours Hannah’s nappies had become offensive to anyone with a nose in the surrounding neighbourhood! Following the hospital’s instructions we made contact.
“I hate you!” Spat from the mouth of the toddler or teenager, those words can erode the confidence of any parent.
It’s tempting to react. Fight back or disappear into our own shell when so blatantly under attack.
Anita’s song captures all our mothering worries, whether we say them out loud or if they’re the thoughts chasing through our heads. Mothers seem to be programmed to be continually asking questions about the child’s welfare.
We forget these questions have a ‘sell-by’ date.
As Parents there’s times when we really need our children to listen to our instructions. Parent Coach Val Mullally gives some practical inisghts and tips on how to talk so kids will be able to HEAR what we’re trying to communicate – and respond.
Parent Contradicts
What effect does it have on children when they receive conflicting messages?
Today in ‘The Guardian’ Zoe Williams’ is fed up with the clashes of parenting ‘gurus’. Parenting is tough enough without this type of “’dagger-on-a thread’ hectoring”. Here’s my different, and potentially more helpful perspective.
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