Here is a story of a private parent coaching client of mine.
Learning to Listen to Rather than Yell at My Teenage Daughter
I am a dad of a 15 year-old daughter who is struggling in school and in following our rules. My wife and I contacted Cynthia to help with managing her behavior. We have come to realize that rather than trying to control or manipulate her, we need to learn how to listen and solve problems together. I struggle with controlling my anger which gets in the way of good communication. Because of Cynthia’s coaching, I had a huge breakthrough in listening rather than getting mad.
My daughter was trying to sneak out at night and we caught her. Before I would have lost my mind and started screaming. Instead, we sat down to talk. I asked her questions and she listened as I explained how scared and worried we would have been to find her gone. I did much better at connecting with her on a heart-to-heart level so we were able to start a discussion on how we can solve her problems together. The next day she told my wife that in the past she was afraid to be honest because of my anger. Cynthia is continuing to teach us on a weekly basis what language and actions will build bridges of understanding and cooperation between the three of us rather than walls. I know I will continue to improve and so will our relationship.
©2013 Cynthia Klein has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with dads, moms and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking, webinars, and private parent coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the magazine Parenting on the Peninsula. Contact Cynthia at bridges 2 understanding, bridges2understa.wpstagecoach.com or call 650. 341.0779.
