Want to benefit from my mistakes?
Mother’s Day, 2006
One of the reasons I love being a coach whose children are no longer teenagers is that my clients benefit from my mistakes.
So, I will let you in on one of my biggest tips.
Spend more time trying to understand what they’re going through instead of trying to fix them.
I wanted my son to do well in school.
I wanted him to excel at his sport.
I wanted him to have a nice group of friends.
I had an expectation of what that should look like.
When that vision wasn’t met, I was scared.
So, I tried to fix him.
I followed what most parents do and sought outside help.
He was resistant.
The real turning point happened when I realized that I was the most influential person in his life.
And when I changed how I talked to and interacted with him, he had what he needed most.
Compassion.
Understanding.
A good listener.
To feel like nothing was wrong with him.
To feel less alone when he felt anxious, overwhelmed, or less than.
Do you know what happened next?
Arguments subsided.
Communication opened up.
He shared what was going on inside of him.
We were able to work through issues together.
I became his go-to person.
And the best part:
His confidence grew, and I felt close to him again.
You can help your child be the best version of themselves, too.
It requires you to consider how your approach impacts your child.
It requires you to be motivated to change what isn’t working.
It requires you to believe that your relationship can be better.
Are you that person?
If so, call me.
You won’t regret it.
