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One of the hardest parts of cycle breaking is the pushback.
I get it too.
I want you to know what keeps me going in my connection focused parenting approach...in all of my years working with families I have NEVER seen a parent regret being compassionate and connected to their child.
The regrets I see parents process over and over have two themes in common: harsh response to their children, or disconnection from their children.
Hang in there, and return to the wisdom of kindness when you are being critiqued.
This video offers guidance on how parents can help their kids learn about conflict resolution through setting boundaries and offering compassion towards both parties, emphasizing the importance of safety and boundaries, effective communication, and moving to repair in conflict situations.
In this video, learn about the power of empathy when dealing with anger, but also be warned about the limits of empathy in the context of abusive mentalities, where anger is used to justify harmful behavior.
The idea of toughening up your children to deal with the world only makes you their first bully, stripping them of their sense of belonging with you; treat your children with respect and connection so that they instinctively protect themselves from unkind and cruel treatment.