Discuss how you and your child are different and why that makes each of you unique. Explore the various ways to process or react to life. Never define the differences as deviant, just different. Learn from the other person s viewpoint and discover compromises that fit you both. And use the principles listed above to be honest about your frustrations and joys with these differences.
Parents can also use personality differences to build a powerful family team.
Match individual interests, skills, and desires so that each person compliments the others. The role of the parents, in these family teams, is to coach, cheerlead and honor each personality. Make the motto, one for all and all for one, your new slogan for family transparency. Empathy The surest path to transparency is empathy. Empathy is the act of communicating our understanding of a child s feelings, thoughts, and needs without being overwhelmed or taking responsibility for them.