Ever find yourself caught off guard by your child's intense emotions? It's a common experience, but did you know our brains are wired to make sense of these moments based on past experiences? Picture this: when we were sad as kids, a parent's yelling might have left us feeling disrespected or scared. Fast forward to now – when our child shows sadness, our brain might replay that old scenario, leading us to feel disrespected again.
Guess what? You're not alone in this cycle – it's just human nature. But here's where the "Action, Feeling, Thought Chart" comes to the rescue. It's your personal guide to hit the pause button, reflect on your own reactions, and understand the patterns driving your responses.
By shining a light on the unconscious associations we carry, this chart empowers you to consciously choose how you respond to your child's emotions. After all, sometimes those old associations are like outdated software – they just don't serve us or our children anymore. Designed to shed light on your responses, this chart empowers you to recognize and shift patterns that may be impacting your child.
Remember: It's not about judging your experiences. Rather, it is about self-discovery and growth. By approaching it with an open mind, you'll uncover insights that pave the way for more mindful interactions with your child. Instead of dwelling on past reactions, use this tool to understand why they occurred and how to respond more positively in the future. Together, let's create a nurturing environment where both you and your child can thrive.
Why Learn From Lina Acosta Sandaal?
Lina Acosta Sandaal, MA, LMFT is a psychotherapist, development expert, writer, and founder of Stop Parenting Alone, a parenting education and consulting program in Miami, FL. She is a writer on social emotional learning for Macmillan Education, the human development expert for Telemundo’s national broadcasts and consultant for MomsRising, an advocacy group for family rights in our nation’s capital. Her mission is for all parents to fall in love with their parenting journey.