The other day I was trying to have a post-tantrum conversation with Kellan about his behavior. He had been whining and it escalated into a bit of a meltdown. Later in the day we took a walk and I tried to go over with him exactly what made his reaction unacceptable. I told him it made me sad when he acts like that. Then he told me I made him sad when I hurt his feelings. Well! I guess two can play at that game.
It really struck me how kids can be sensitive to their parents' disapproval. I try to correct him constructively, but obviously I don't always succeed. I realize talking to him while I'm frustrated and exasperated hurts his feelings. He's able to express himself better so I want him to open up to me, even when my own reaction isn't so stellar.
How do you handle hurt
feelings?
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