Teaching Humanity Remotely with Dr. Mindy Shaw - Ep.153

In this brief but poignant episode, Dr. Shaw discusses a topic that she calls "What's really bothering you?"   She begins by admitting that there are times that she is short-tempered or easily disturbed, and when that happens it is often the case that her reactions are caused by something other than what's on the surface.   The same holds true for children. We have all seen examples of a child who is having a bit of a tantrum, and quite often that acting out is the result of a whole other external factor.   Her key to handling this situation is NOT to give in to the child as that's the worst possible form of reinforcement... you must not give in to that uncomfortable situation or the symptoms that got you and your child there.  What you can and should do is mark and note it the next time you have a similar reaction and at a later time, relate your experience to your child as a learning lesson... and show that what's bothering you just might be something other than what it seems.