I’ve had an absolutely horrible day!
What do you want most when you’ve had a lousy day? A cold shoulder? Or a nice warm foot rub and a five-minute personal pity party?
Children have emotional needs too and, too often, busy adults minimize their needs with the equivalent of a cold shoulder. This link will take you to a great piece about children’s emotional needs. The author offers ways that adults can help children deal with their feelings and go forward in positive ways.
At the Dekko Foundation we say: “Great things happen when adults step back and consider what children need to grow and develop!” It’s surprising (or maybe not SO surprising) how so many of the things children need are EXACTLY what we adults need too!
I will take the foot rub any day!!! My husband is the best cheer-er upper ever. We joke that it’s almost worth having a bad day to be cheered up by him! And that kindness is contagious. Now I try to do it for our adult children.
It only takes a few minutes to listen. When you’re willing to hear what a child has to say…it’s amazing how much better they listen to YOU. Thanks girls!
What a great point! In our busy worlds, we often forget that time and respect are some of the most important things to give our children. Taking a few minutes to hear about their day or what they have to say can make a huge difference.
I love it when you hear a child saying “Hey Mom” and the parent answers the first time. They have important thoughts that they want to share. It is very important for them to know that adults care.
The other side of this is when you hear a child saying “Hey Mom” over and over. Then after several times the parent snaps back with “what?” The child’s self worth takes a hit when this happens.
I know parents get worn out…but sometimes kids just want to say, “Hi!” – watch this clip of Stewie Griffin from Family Guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNkp4QF3we8
It is great when you have parents and kids that come into the library together and while they are here you see parents listening and guiding.