1. Look at your child and smile at least 10 times today. Hold your gaze as long as they hold theirs.
2. Give your child 5 big hugs today. Go for the bear hug and hold on until you and your child are relaxed.
3. Affirm your child in a very specific and clear way in front of another important person in their life. Affirm a quality they showed you today - something they have control over, versus something that's inherent. So it's better to say, "Amanda was really kind to another child who was crying and showed them caring" than "Amanda is such a sweet little girl".
4. Spend a half hour in nature with your child. This can mean just really looking at a tree in the back yard.
5. Verbally empathize and mirror your child's emotional state without judgment or trying to change it. Show him or her that you can really stand in his or her shoes for a moment.
If you're having a challenging time as a parent or would like a greater repertoire of skills as a parent, go to plumdistrict.com for a great deal on a parent coaching session (Marin district this week, East Bay district next week). Visit me at www.creativejourneying.net for more information about how I work.
