When I was young my brother and I weren't allowed to cry - we'd get the 'I'll give you something to cry about' line from our father - because in his mind crying was a sign of weakness and his children weren't weak.
Has that effected me? FUCK YES! I'm emotionally retarded when it comes to moments one 'should cry' and times when you're left thinking. WTF am I crying for. However due to this 'rule' that was set down upon us. I'm the polar opposite of him, I'm a supportive person when people around me cry. I go into 'support' mode, telling them it's alright to cry, and things will be alright (That whole reassurance thing! *See previous post*) This also includes my nephews when they cry.
Children cry for various reasons, they are hurt, they feel hard done by, they are tired and need a serious nap. But being supportive is what I personally believe is important. When I ask 'four' what's wrong and why is he crying. He will give me an answer. It might be that his little brother is hogging the toy and won't share, that he feels sick, or is afraid of the dark. But it's these answers that hold the key to the emotional state of the child / person at that very moment.
If your kid is afraid of the dark, give them a nightlight simple. Why traumatize the child by forcing them to sleep in a darken room, when they are clearly visibly upset from the situation. I think I hit the nail on the head with my brother when I was with him last re his kids crying. I just simply uttered the words.... Don't be like our father!
The boys now have a night light :)
That's all I've got.
2 comments:
Great post. Well written and entertaining.
And I think it's great you were able to help your nephews, and to help your brother change his ways. Those words can be so powerful.
I can't do sad or crying either, I don't know why. And when I try to do a sad and shocked "Really?" when I hear someone has passed away, I think it comes out as more of an interested and excited "Really?".. which is not a good thing.
We got the line too. But it didn't bother me. My Mom always had something to counter balance whatever dad said.
I use the stop crying line on my kids. BUT- my youngest is a screamer.. And will use crying against me to make me feel bad and give in to him. I've got his number!! lol
You're right tho, you need to hear the kids out. Ask why, talk about their feelings, and generally seven out of ten times the situation can be resolved without more drama..
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