Many times when a child does a mistake or goes against set rules or boundaries, i hear parents blaming themselves or uttering words of defeat and overwhelm.

Today i wish to encourage a parent that in such moments, learn to calm and let the child know they have done something wrong. It’s only when you are in a stable mind that you can bring this to their knowledge and also support them realize they need to be responsible for the mistake.

Some tips to handle such incidences include;

• Manage your emotional state- You may be angered but do not react in that angry state. Learn to pause, give time to offer a listening ear before making a judgement
• Listen actively- Do not be in a hurry to respond. Give time to gain relevant information that may include what happened and be observant to pick both verbal and non- verbal cues
• Interpret the emotional effect from the event- Understand the feelings and thoughts of the offender and weigh in its interpretation of the actions.
• Together , agree of the mistake done and the consequences of the same that the offender has to be responsible for.
• Teach lessons that will help to enhance not repeating the same or similar mistakes
• Never loose hope in your child or yourself and feel like there is nothing more that can be done.
• Seek further help when necessary