Frequently Asked Questions
E. Do you want to help children and families in your daily life?
Here is a list of things you can do:
- Be a big brother or big sister to child through your church or religious organization.
- Give donations to an organization that helps children.
- Smile at the children and parents you see.
- Get to know their names.
- Ask them about their lives or interests.
- Let them know you want to help.
- Offer to help with childcare or home chores for a family that’s struggling.
When you see parents struggling with their child’s behavior in a public place, don’t turn away or stare with disdain. Distract the child or offer a snack. Offer to help bag the groceries, carry a diaper bag, etc. Make positive comments about the child. Offer empathy. Focusing on their positive behaviors as a parent (what good parenting do you see) or on the positive behaviors of their children (what are the good things you notice about their children) can go a long way in helping them cope better. The last thing a frustrated parent needs is to feel you are criticizing them or their children!
Empathy works best! Here is a list of positive comments you can make to a stressed parent which will help them relax and maybe reduce their stress:
- “I remember times like that when I had young children.”
- “I always thought parenting was the hardest job I have ever done.”
- “My child used to do that too.”
- “My child was pretty challenging but he turned out to be a great adult.”
Here is a list of ways to reframe children’s behavior in a positive light:
- “I wish I had as much energy as your child has, I wish I could borrow some of it now.”
- “Your child sure has a creative mind.”
- “Your child is quite a talker.”
- “Your child has persistence that will serve him wonderfully later in life.”
Other FAQs
A. Are you concerned about a child in your family, church, work place or neighborhood?
D. Do you find your child especially challenging or draining?
