Friday, August 31, 2012

Acceptance -- Tolerance -- Patience!

Why is everything to a teenager such an emergency?
I have to talk to this person! I have to resolve this conflict! I have to save the world from chaos!
No, really. You don't.

The friend-drama via texting is something that can propel the parent to find the nearest bottle of wine. But fear not, young child! It may feel like the end of the world as you know it, but I can assure you that it is not.

There are those times that it is unbelievably necessary to turn the cell phone off.
It is met with damned strong opposition, but don't give up! I have threatened (and they know I would be more than willing) to call the cell phone provider to cut the service to that line. The protests will continue, and the level of anguish will be great, but it will subside. I've seen it and know this to be true!


Like a toddler, redirection is very necessary. It won't be easy but the efforts are worth it. That redirection can be, for example vacuuming! Pushing around a heavy appliance can be therapeutic! Then there's mowing the lawn, going for a walk, taking a shower, or some type of family activity. The key word here is 'activity'. Television or reading a book can be an escape, but I have found that doing something that incorporates physical activity is more effective.

They won't forget about the precious device waiting for them, but a small break in the action can help them gain a little needed perspective.

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