Distinguishing Fact from Feeling

When children in grades 4-8 come to adults with a problem, adults often will dismiss their concerns because we know through experience that with the passage of time, a concern may not seem like such a "Big Deal."  The next time your child has a concern, discuss:

1.  The nature of the problem.

2.  Why this is a concern.

3.  Tell the facts about the issue rather than just give opinions.

4.  Explore alternative ways of acting and thinking about the issue.

5.  Let the decision to act be your child's.

6.  Tell them you understand this is a concern for them and that you hope they will figure out a    way to handle it because of the discussion you have had. 

7.  Check back later to learn how your child decided to deal with the world as they view it.

Discipline With Purpose, Inc., 1997