These are real obstacles to helping our children. I try to get in touch with the trigger of my emotions and cry, or just calm down enough to be able to attend to my child, keeping my ego out of the way. When validated and listened to, children unload emotional upsets in their own creative ways. Being noisy, giggly and screechy are also emotionally beneficial. Rather, these behaviors are the cure and the child's way of healing many of life's upsets.
Children are simply magical at directing their own dramatic moments.
We can trust them and learn from them. When we face behavior in our children that is upsetting to us, we have two choices. Although sometimes parents may need a counselor's assistance with children, developing trust and the ability to listen and validate can go a long way toward a harmonious family life and emotionally healthy, self-reliant children. Reprinted and revised with permission from The Nurturing Parent .