DISCOURAGEMENTDISCOURAGEMENTFeeling inferior has nothing to do with facts and reason. When our children are discouraged, telling them how wonderful they are doesn't help at all. They don't see what we see in them, or recognize their own abilities. They feel inferior to others when, in fact, they are gifted in their own ways. We hate to see them become discouraged or give up on themselves simply because they are different from their peers. When we try to sway them out of their discouragement, they defend themselves and their despair.We see our children's uniqueness, their gifts, and their abilities. Why can't they see them? We find it difficult to understand why our beautiful, gifted children feel worthless and inadequate at times. They have so much going for them, if they would only realize it. Discouragement is a cruel bondage that can make it impossible for us to hear the truth about ourselves.Learning not to argue with a discouraged child is important. Telling children that they have nothing to feel discouraged about because they're smart, creative, capable etc., only makes them feel worse. We are learning instead to listen, draw out their thoughts and feelings, and assure them that we understand. When we allow them to express their discouragement, their mood brightens. It's amazing how quickly our children recover when we offer them emotional support rather than advice or criticism.Today I won't argue with my discouraged child, but instead will listen and offer emotional support. Click here to listen to this meditation. This excerpt is from Daily Meditations for Parenting Our Kids by Thomas Wright. Click below for more information. Back To Meditations
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