Your child is not your thoughts about your child.

The difference between what your child does and the story your mind tells about it.

THIS WEEK, JUST NOTICE

The next time you think your child is being difficult or stubborn, notice the label. What did you actually see?

Nothing to complete. Just something to carry.

A LITTLE FURTHER

Your child refuses to put their shoes on. You're already running late. Before they've said another word, you find yourself thinking, They're being difficult.

In a moment, a behaviour becomes a label. Difficult. Stubborn. Shy. Sensitive. Our minds do this naturally. They try to make sense of what we see.

But the label is a thought. It may not tell us what's happening for the child. Perhaps they're tired, worried, or absorbed in something else.

You don't have to fight the thought or ignore the behaviour. You can simply notice the difference between what happened and what your mind says it means.

What do you see when you look past the label?

There is nothing else you need to do with this.

One observation. A whole week to notice.