Dear Parents,
It was the summer and he was home, hanging around, watching TV. She had a home office where she was working. She came out of her office and asked him if he wanted lunch. She fixed him a sandwich, then sat in front of the TV with him while he ate it. She didn’t engage in conversation. Just watched TV. Just sat with him, for like 20 or 30 minutes or something. That was it. A little non-verbal message, I’m happy you’re here, I like sitting with you.
That week there was no growling. This is progress. And let me tell you, this is how it starts. It was that simple, a small gesture to suggest love. That small gesture opened the door to a different type of relationship, and soon instead of growling, he would talk to her normally. That opened the door for even more communication.
I spoke with her months after and learned that he was keeping up his grades, had gotten a job, and had not smoked in the house. Her worst fears never happened. She felt like he had calmed down, and she had a hard time connecting his behavior to her actions, but I can assure you that from what she learned in coaching, she was able to easily and effortlessly modify her words and tone in a way that made a huge difference in her communication.
There are simple and effective strategies that you can learn easily and implement immediately.
To Your Family,
Jane Cabrera
The Parent Success Coach
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