Dad Tip of The Day: You must learn patience to be a good parent as it will be tested beyond what you can dream.
Being a parent can be very tough at times, especially when you have a strong willed child, or one with a lot of attitude. My kids are young and both very good, but even they test my patience level at times. One thing I have learned (or am still learning, really) is to “respond” to the kids, instead of “react” when it comes to rebellious actions and behavior.
Reacting is spur-of-the moment anger, while responding is keeping your cool and addressing the situation in a level-headed way. As parents, we are too quick to react many times, when responding would be a much more effective means to communicate and correct.
It is a subtle distinction, but one that can make a world of difference if learned and practiced properly.
Of course, most of the times kids are angels, but for those other moments, us parents need to actively work on responding in a proper manner. Here is a situation that required a response, and not a reaction, as bad behavior resulted in a busted lamp:
Oh well, life goes on!
Thank you for stopping by!
Brian