In order to see a full picture here, I think bullying needs to be addressed. While there is some great advice in this article, there are times when accepting aggressive behavior is wrong. Also, whether the parent gets involved really depends on the age of the child. Sometimes parental intervention is necessary, especially if there are repeated offences. I believe it is much better for the PARENT to remain calm and to show a little empathy for the child (not dramatic coddling), rather than to immediately tell the child to "calm down." When someone tells me to "calm down," it feels like what they are really saying is, "I don't really care that you are upset, and your feelings don't really matter."
Wally GoddardAugust 23, 2021
Good ideas. I recommend that every reader consider the five steps in emotion coaching described by John Gottman in Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child (chapter 3).
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Maryann TaylorAugust 23, 2021
In order to see a full picture here, I think bullying needs to be addressed. While there is some great advice in this article, there are times when accepting aggressive behavior is wrong. Also, whether the parent gets involved really depends on the age of the child. Sometimes parental intervention is necessary, especially if there are repeated offences. I believe it is much better for the PARENT to remain calm and to show a little empathy for the child (not dramatic coddling), rather than to immediately tell the child to "calm down." When someone tells me to "calm down," it feels like what they are really saying is, "I don't really care that you are upset, and your feelings don't really matter."
Wally GoddardAugust 23, 2021
Good ideas. I recommend that every reader consider the five steps in emotion coaching described by John Gottman in Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child (chapter 3).
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