What To Do When You Think There Is More To The Story

By Marcia Hall, as seen on Gonannies.com

Understanding why children react the way they do can be as problematic as understanding the mysteries of the universe at times. One moment your child is engrossed and pleased with a particular activity, the next she hates it and acts like she’s being tortured the minute you try to get her involved.

Children change their minds at the drop of a hat and have meltdowns due to a number of different reasons. However, if your child has suddenly stopped liking something that she previously has loved, there might be more to the story. Getting to the bottom of it might take time and there will likely be a lot of frustration. Here are the “Do’s and Don’ts” of helping your child process her feelings and understanding her behavior.

Don’t assume you know the story. There is always more to the story than it seems on the surface. It is very easy to look at a situation your child is faced with and come to your own conclusion. Try to control your urge to make a judgment call until you hear the entire story.

Don’t accuse or blame your child of doing something wrong.

Don’t assume your child is innocent in the situation. 

Don’t step in to “fix” the problem. 

Do allow the child to be upset.

Do really listen. 

Do ask questions in a non-judgmental way. 

Do help her resolve the problem with as little interference as possible. 

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