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Day 15: Plan ahead for positivity
Some days you can see it coming a mile away: the doom and gloom of childhood moods. Kids and teens can sometimes be very irritable – and not even know why. (Hint: hormones, and fewer years of practice at emotional self-awareness and control!)
Today create a plan for how you will react the next time this happens. For example: instead of snapping back at their muttered replies you can simply say, "OK, I'll check back with you later to get a full answer." Then do your best to redirect the conversation to a "safer" focus while staying in a positive frame of mind.
Of course, if your child is showing intentional disrespect, then a consequence is in order. But when this is the case, try to address the issue in a straight-forward manner without personal, negative attacks. These conversations are usually easier to have when your child's irritable mood has lifted.
Coach's Corner: There's a reason for the great Proverb, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) It works—even with kids!
If you see it work, post the story—omitting personal details to protect the innocent, of course —by using the #JoinKindness.
The 30-Day Kindness Challenge is brought to you via our partnership with Shaunti Feldhahn, and is based on her research for The Kindness Challenge.
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