Simple Sixes:A Guide for Parents Part 5 of 6- RESPECT THEIR FEELINGS AND OPINIONS
As parents we must always honor and respect our children's opinions and feelings. Healthy families are careful to encourage an atmosphere where every ones personal opinions are respected, even if those opinions are not universally shared. The term we will use is called empathizing. Empathizing is communicating the understanding of someones feelings and thoughts. This appears very obvious and simple. However, studies show that children with high self esteem come from families that encourage freedom of expression. However, surprisingly enough we also found how hard it is to practice and develop this skill. It is EASY when their opinions reflect ours. When our children's opinions are radically different than ours we tend to react and judge.
Children who feel free to express themselves without fear, rejection, or extreme judgement are happier, confident, and more socially secure.
Two examples of empathizing could look and sound like this. Child says "this math problem is to hard. I can't do it, I hate math." Parent responds: "It is frustrating, huh, let's try it together!"
This shows that we are relating to the feeling of frustration.
Another common problem may be being left out in the lunchroom. Now let's empathize with that feeling. Parent says" I can imagine what you are feeling. I had a very similar experience like that when I was in school, and it made me feel the same way also, let me tell you what happened to me.
Let's try to practice and develop this skill!!!
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