Ok, I know that the following formula doesn’t follow the rules of mathematics. (This could really bother Jason who actually has a degree in Math.) However, isn’t the following formula an illustration of what happens in families?
Kids upset + parent upset = recipe for disaster
As a parent, almost nothing brings up my feelings as quickly as when my kids are fighting or I see them suffering. And if my feelings are going strong, then it’s going to be extra hard for me to support our kids from a peaceful and loving place.
How do you create peace and calm in yourself and your children when the oatmeal hits the fan?
How do you guide your children toward talking, rather than yelling, hitting, or fighting to work things out?
Certainly giving kids and yourself empathy is part of the answer, so that everyone’s feelings are understood.
Besides empathy, there is something else that Jason and I do in our family. We’ve done it for years. And it pretty much never fails to shift the temperature in the room when things are getting heated.
Kids upset + X = peaceful family
Find out what X is by watching the video here.
[video_player type=”youtube” youtube_remove_logo=”Y” width=”560″ height=”315″ align=”center” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”20″]aHR0cDovL3lvdXR1LmJlL29NNno1bWhmTEZR[/video_player]
Or view it here
I’m seriously going to do that thing I said in the video. So write in the comments section below your favorite way to calm down or your kids’ favorite ways to calm down. Keep it clean (joke comments will not be considered for the challenge), silly bear!
Have a peaceful day!
Love,
Mr. and Mrs. X
Jason and Cecilia Hilkey
