Isn't it amazing what a difference it makes when you're able to notice yourself getting upset, and stop that downhill slide? And if you can also see things from your child's point of view, that can change everything.

Why are these two practices so powerful?

  • Instead of escalating the drama, you calm the turbulent emotions and restore safety, so your child calms down more quickly.
  • Your child feels more understood and connected, which makes them more cooperative.

But the simple practice of seeing the situation from your child's perspective is powerful for another important reason, one that's more about you. When you see what's getting in the way for your child, you're more patient, so you can give them the support they need to feel better and solve their problem. That nips problem behavior in the bud, because you solve the root of the behavior -- the feelings (and often the situation) driving it.

Consider a plant that looks droopy. Do you yell at it to “Straighten up and grow right!”? Or do you figure out what it needs: more water, more sun, a bigger pot? Kids, like the rest of us, are just trying to get their needs met, and all of their behavior -- just like all adult behavior -- arises from the child trying to make herself feel better.

The child's strategies to feel better often don't work, of course. For instance, hitting her little brother because she worries that you love him more will always backfire. But notice that for a child who isn't feeling noticed and valued, the big energy you suddenly direct her way when she hits her brother can still be reassuring. (Kids are like geiger counters for big energy. To them, it proves we care.)

Of course, if you can see her need for reassurance, you can demonstrate through your actions that no matter how much love you give her brother, there will always be more than enough love and attention for her. She will come to believe that you could never love anyone more than you love her, and the hitting will stop. But the only way you can address the need driving her behavior is to see things from her perspective.

Want to try an experiment? It takes 30 days to create a new habit. If you start today, and keep trying to do this every day (don't worry; you don't have to do it perfectly) your parenting will be different within a month. And I guarantee you will see a corresponding change in your child.  Think of this as love in action.

Here's the experiment.

1. Really notice and acknowledge your child as often as possible.

Often we're so busy pushing our children through the schedule that we forget to slow down and notice them. Verbally describe your child's activities, preferences and comments without judgment. "You've been working on that for a long time ....You really love dancing... You like to have a warning before we go somewhere ... I notice you're starting to put your face in the water a little bit when you swim." This also goes a long way toward meeting your child's need to feel seen, connected, and valued.

2. Make sure you connect warmly, physically with each child, every day

This is indispensable. If your kid is "too old" to snuggle, give him a foot rub or back rub, and as many hugs as he'll let you. Roughhousing is also important, to get your child laughing and help you bond. But there is no substitute for cuddles and hugs.

3. When your child acts "badly" consider what's driving that behavior. 

Why is she acting out this way? What does she need?

  • More down time?
  • More connection with you?
  • More of a sense of independence and mastery?
  • More "structure" from you to help her learn to handle something herself?

Meeting the need is the only way to change the behavior. If your child's behavior has been hurtful, tell him that he needs to take action to repair that relationship, but resist the urge to punish. Punishment (including "consequences" that you impose) will just create resentment and thus more bad behavior of some kind. Instead, offer understanding of what drove your child to hurt someone, and emphasize that even so, hurtful behavior is never okay. What can he do to make things better now with the other person?

4. Whenever you start to get upset, use your Pause Button.

Stop whatever you're doing. Drop your agenda, just until you're calm. Take a few deep breaths.  Remind yourself that there's no emergency. Sure, you could have your own tantrum and yell and scream. You're perfectly justified. But consider that plant. Will yelling at it help? With your child, shouting sabotages all your attempts to build a good relationship. You don't have to respond right this moment, except if safety is at stake. Wait until you calm down. No matter how old your child is, your message will be more effective when you're calm.

5. If you're setting a limit, offer understanding:

"That looks like you're having so much fun! Even so, it's time to start getting ready for bed. Where shall we put this so you can work on it again tomorrow?" Notice that you can still set limits, and you should. Yes, even when you see your child's perspective, which is that they are upset about your limit! The difference here is that you acknowledge their upset, even while you hold your limit. You don't get defensive, and you don't back down. You just let them know you understand. It's amazing what a difference that makes.

6. Focus on the positive.

Kids respond to our energy, so be passionate with your YES! to everything you want to see more of from your child. Every time you appreciate your child, every time you love something about him, you’re giving him the clear message: More of this, please. He will grow accordingly.

That's the experiment. You don't have to do it perfectly. Just keep increasing the ratio of moments when you see things from your child's perspective. Expect to have some bad days. Forgive yourself and try again.

Remember, as James A. Michener said, "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries." 

Give this experiment a try for 30 days. You'll be amazed by the miracle you make.