Read this and immediately thought, “Oh cool, so it’s not just my house.” 😂 I’ve seen that exact slide happen over homework, socks, and the wrong color cup. Catching the thought before the meltdown is harder than any math problem, but this nailed it. Appreciate the reminder that the real battle happens five seconds earlier.
I have spent a ton of time helping my kids framing words, especially the words they use against themselves. I was just in the bathroom floor with one of them last night, just sitting and talking after a rough day.
and honestly, such a power move. Getting down to their level (even on the bathroom floor) isn’t weakness, it’s regulation. When you stay calm and present like that, you’re lending them your nervous system until they can find theirs again.
And the word work you’re doing matters more than it looks in the moment. Those are the voices they’ll carry with them long after the bathroom light’s off. Boss dad stuff right there.
Thanks!!
I love the “hey, pause…”! It’s such a great strategy to connect thoughts with action.
Totally agree and thanks for the comment!
It’s basically giving your brain a chance to re-read the message before hitting send.
Read this and immediately thought, “Oh cool, so it’s not just my house.” 😂 I’ve seen that exact slide happen over homework, socks, and the wrong color cup. Catching the thought before the meltdown is harder than any math problem, but this nailed it. Appreciate the reminder that the real battle happens five seconds earlier.
Yep. The wrong cup has ended more emotional stability in my house than any major life event. 😅
That five-second window is everything…
and also incredibly easy to miss. Appreciate you sharing this.
I have spent a ton of time helping my kids framing words, especially the words they use against themselves. I was just in the bathroom floor with one of them last night, just sitting and talking after a rough day.
That’s such a real moment…
and honestly, such a power move. Getting down to their level (even on the bathroom floor) isn’t weakness, it’s regulation. When you stay calm and present like that, you’re lending them your nervous system until they can find theirs again.
And the word work you’re doing matters more than it looks in the moment. Those are the voices they’ll carry with them long after the bathroom light’s off. Boss dad stuff right there.