Every strength has a corresponding challenge and every challenge has a corresponding strength. The inattentive child may be a deep thinker. The uncooperative child may be a good leader. The emotionally-charged child may be gifted with exceptional empathy. The rule-defying child may be an out-of-the-box innovator.

When faced with challenging behaviors, look for the corresponding strength, and focus on nurturing that gift while providing gentle guidance and coping techniques for the challenging areas. That is the essence of working with, instead of against, our children.

It's okay to slow down,
to turn your face to the sun,
to breathe deeply under the stars,
to rest in a warm embrace.
It’s okay to live in the moment
when the moment is worth living in,
to cry tears of joy or pain or both
when life feels too big or too hard,
to twirl with arms wide open
when you want to feel young
and free and invincible again
despite age and time and circumstance.
It’s okay to feel, to fail, to try, to win,
to laugh, to cry, to live, to die,
all on your own terms.
It’s okay to be wholly and imperfectly you.
It’s okay to be human.

The solution to every parenting problem starts with nine little words:

'I'm here.'
'I hear you.'
'How can I help?'

When needs are met through connection, hearts are opened to gentle, respectful, compassionate correction.