Parenting Tip #10 Happy Child Back

We were at the San Diego Zoo-- my 4 youngest children and my sister. We had been there all morning, had eaten lunch and were still walking and looking at animals. But my youngest daughter, Charity, age 3 kept whining and complaining. In exasperation, I finally said, “Charity, if you don’t stop whining, I’m going to take you back to the motel and make you take a nap!” She replied, “Finally! I’ve been waiting for you to say that.”

Do we really pay attention to our children or are we oblivious to everything but our own needs and our agenda. If your baby, toddler, child, teenager (husband)is crying—there’s a reason. If your toddler, child, teenager is exhibiting angry emotions –there’s a reason. Maybe it’s as simple as they need to take a nap, or they’re hungry, or need a diaper change (well, not the teenager!). Is something happening at school, or with their friends, or lack of friends, etc. Are they getting an earache, a cold, the flu?

My younger brother was always grouchy and irritable. Then my mother found out he had bad allergies and didn’t feel good most of the time. As soon as his health problems were addressed, he became a happy child again. STOP and figure out what’s wrong. Children—and adults—want to be nice and happy, and are, for the most part, when their needs are being met. Find out what those needs are, and you’ve got your happy child back.