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Lately, it feels like my kids are riding a rollercoaster of big emotions—and, let’s be honest, I’m strapped in for the ride whether I like it or not! So, instead of just surviving the chaos, I decided to put my coaching hat on and try something a little different.
I sat them down (cue the groans), and we worked on developing one of the most important skills we all need—empathy. At first, they resisted, but what happened next blew me away.
I asked each of them to share two things:
1️⃣ One thing they love about the other.
2️⃣ One way the other could love them better.
Here's what they said:
My daughter (6): "I love how kind he is, but he could love me better by not controlling me so much."
My son (10): "I love how funny she is, but she could thank me when I help her."
Let me tell you, by the end of that conversation, the mood had completely shifted. Everyone was calm, connected, and, most importantly, ready to protect the peace in our home.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster with your kids, the work starts with us.
Regulating our own emotional reactions and developing parenting skills that prioritize presence over power is key to creating peace in our homes. Philippians 2:4 reminds us, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” When we model empathy and presence, our kids will follow.
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