Overreaction
This first error is an overreaction. We may be anticipating a problem that is not really there.
❖ JOURNAL 18: The aggravation
Can you think of a situation in which a parent might decide a child has a problem when in, in fact, a significant problem does not really exist? The situation might be upsetting to the parent. An impartial observer might conclude, however, that the problem resides in how the parent is reacting, not in the children themselves. Consider the following situations:
Sandy has two young preschoolers who have been laughing and making other loud noises at church. She has become visibly angry when this happens. Last Sunday she grabbed both children during the service and pulled them both down the aisle as she left.
Jack has enjoyed his relationship with his son, Mark. Now that Mark has turned thirteen, he's become quite sullen around his father and avoids going out in public with him. I don't know what's gotten into him, Mark says. He was never this way before.
What do you think of these problems? What are some of the reasons these parents might have reacted the way they did? Identify what may be some of your own personal aggravations you may have with your children that you may have to reevaluate.
Next: Mistake 2