Apr 17
Learning to Read a Child
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The great art of parenting is most evident when mothers and fathers learn to read their children. Here’s Dr. James Dobson with Family Talk.
Most parents go through times when they fear they aren’t responding properly to their children. They wonder if they’re over-reacting or under-reacting, or being too strict or too lenient. They suspect that they’re making major mistakes that will haunt them later on. The key to this vital responsibility is to get behind the eyes of the child, seeing what he sees and feeling what he feels. When you know his frame of mind, your response becomes obvious. For example, when he’s lonely, he needs your company. When he’s defiant, he needs your help in controlling impulses. When he’s afraid, he needs the security of your embrace. When he’s happy, he needs to share his laughter and joy with those he loves. Raising healthy children, then, is not so much a science as it is a highly developed art, and you can be sure that it requires the greatest patience, devotion and love that you have to offer.
Take the time to observe the youngsters who live in your house. If you tune in closely to what they say and do, the feelings behind those behaviors will soon become apparent. Then your reaction to what you’ve seen will lead to more confident parenthood. Hear more at myfamilytalk.com. Myfamilytalk.com
