Did you miss part 1? Click here.
6. Can I come? Saying “no” is difficult in itself, but it’s especially difficult when they look up at you with their big teary eyes. No parent wants to hurt their child’s feelings, but is it really necessary to bring the little one with you to your physical examination? Do you think your coworkers can maintain their productivity while your child plays tag with their imaginary friend around your office? Sometimes tough love is the only solution.
7. Why does my brother/sister hate me? Parenting would be a whole lot easier if you knew how to make your kids get along. Unfortunately, it’s usually beyond your control. The only way to answer this question is by explaining the unconditional love that exists between siblings. Afterward, pray they’ll mature as they get older so that you won’t have to deal with a lifetime of bickering and petty feuds.
8. Why are we moving? Moving is never fun. Breaking the news to your kid can be worse than the time consuming and backbreaking packing and unpacking. No explanation alleviates the pain that comes with leaving their friends behind. All you can do is make the move as easy on them as possible.
9. Why did he/she call me that? Kids are cruel. If they don’t like someone, they make it known. They live in a world that’s starkly different from the passive-aggressive adult world. Avoid the urge to indirectly insult their parents under your breath the next time you see them, and tell your kid to just ignore the meanie.
10. Why wasn’t I invited to that party? It’s possible that the parents who are hosting the party simply didn’t have enough money or resources to invite an additional kid. This explanation works best in most cases – true or not. But if your child realizes that it’s because they simply aren’t liked, explain how not inviting them made the unhappy kid feel better about him or herself. The same answer could work for No. 9. Two birds with one stone. Maybe parenting isn’t so difficult.
Thanks again to Phillip Lopez for all these great insights.
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