Just a Little Inspiration

I needed that today. Thanks. I have a question…do you have any advice for dealing with a child that feels you weren’t the best parent to them and now has an attitude towards you because of it and when you try to discipline the child it turns into a power struggle and it relates to what you have said or done wrong in the past?

I’m glad you benefitted from the post today. We all need encouragament and that little push that this video provides.

As for your question, I am not a counselor or parenting expert. What I can suggest is that you have an honest heart to heart with your child. Sometimes you have to be vulnerable and completely honest about the realities of being human, being an adult, and being a parent.

You may want to explain that you are not perfect and you make mistakes, however you are responsible for making sure that his/her life is safe, secure, and that you require the respect that comes along with living you your house. That has to be non-negotiable.

Children can make you feel guilty and incompetent. They can play on your emotions and twist words, situations, and circumstances. They may be hurting because of the changes in your lives, but they have to be made to understand that this is life and there are no guarantees of a warm and cozy life.

Children of single parents can either grow up resilient or rebellious. It’s up to us to keep them on course (despite their guilt-tripping)and that may require several forms of discipline. I think one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is self-discipline. If they hope to remain in your house then they can learn to control themselves or you will have to do it.

Teaching boundaries, self-control, and the realities of life coupled with lots of love, honest conversation, and the ability to say, “I’m sorry” goes a long way in mending broken parent-child relationships.

I wish you all the best and hope that I’ve shared something that encouraged you and will help in your situation. I am speaking from experience with my daughter. (((hugs)))

Thank you so very much. I must’ve been channeling you because I did that today, we had a heart-to-heart and I explained that I wasn’t perfect but must have respect and the whole twisting of words and guilt tripping did occur…I really appreciate reading this now that our talk is over and seeing that you too understand what its like. Thanks for your website. It is a blessing!!!