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Visitor
Search Phrases.. Looking for Answers …and Solace
Hello Visitors -- You find CreativeParents.com in different
ways ---and many of you find us through search engines. When we look at
the key phrases that bring people to the CreativeParents.com site we learn
more about what you’re seeking. We don’t ever, ever, EVER
know your individual identities! But we realize you've
got a lot on your mind, and that for each search there are others with
the same thoughts.
So we're going
to respond to some of your searches... Each week we’ll include some
new search questions and responses – so stay tuned.
Searcher:
Separation anxiety: Do you make your kids go to camp?
CreativeParents.com: If
your child is reluctant to go to camp, it would be a good idea to find
out why. There are lots of possible reasons -- from worries about making
new friends to leaving the familiar environment of home. Once you know
why your child doesn’t want to go, you’ll be better able to
address the reasons. If it is separation anxiety, you can talk about visiting
day, writing letters to stay in touch or the camp’s policy on telephone
or e-mail contact. Kids fears are often based on misconceptions about
what something will be like. It’s great to encourage a child to
overcome resistance to doing something you believe will be beneficial.
By listening to your child’s point of view you may be able to address
underlying fears and clear up any misunderstandings.
Searcher:
Why my teenage daughter doesn’t want to spend time with me
CreativeParents.com:
Most teens don’t want to spend time with their parents. Did you
want to hang out with your parents when you were a teenager? Teens are
focused on forging their own identities, and see parents as potentially
undermining.
Make sure your
daughter knows that you are there for her, ready to listen without (excessive)
judging, and that you’re glad to spend time with her – even
if it feels like you’re just the back up when her friends are busy,
or she needs a ride to the mall.
Do impart your
opinions tactfully when it seems appropriate, and remember that she's
listening to what you say more than she will ever admit.
Of
course, as parents we want to share the hard earned wisdom we’ve
gained through experience, and know we can be helpful -- if only our kids
would listen to our sage advice. Somehow, teens don’t see it that
way. This has probably always been true – Mark Twain said “My
father was an amazing man. The older I got, the smarter he got.”
(Be patient. The teen years last longer than ever. According to Dr. Melfi
on the Sopranos, 26 is the new 21.)
And if there any
teens reading this – remember that your parents are often nicer,
smarter and better company than you realize – though it may take
you years to figure that out.
--If you are searching for
a creativeparents.com response please, let
us know .
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