As adults, one of the easiest ways to establish miscommunication and foster upset with children is to cease being the adult.  Keeping our “cool”, and staying composed can seem an impossible feat at times, but it is important for the adult in the situation to act like the adult.  It is far too easy to take an action, a word, or a slight personally. “He did that just to annoy me,” or “she sure knows how to push my buttons.” If either of these statements sounds or feels familiar, you may be taking things too personally, which can only lead us down a path towards regret.  If we yell, say things we do not mean, or storm out, we are laying the groundwork for things we may need to apologize for later. Proverbs 12 tells us a wise person stays calm when insulted. Keeping your composure when you could just as easily have become angry or frustrated, can often be the balm we need to appropriately handle a tough situation.  When the adult remains calm, we can hear what the child is actually saying or wanting and we can react from a place of love and understanding. Jeffrey West, MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor