Are you giving children and teens the gift of time?

I most often deal with children and teens who are in trouble. The damage is already done. That bridge has been crossed. We therapists, teachers and counselors do what we can to treat the child, but it saddens me that so much of what could have been done to prevent the trouble was not done.

Childhoods are over before we know it and too soon for all the life lessons they are about to face. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have family elders know the value and gift of time that only the elders experience with our children.

No matter how harried your schedule, your duties outside your life at home, take time each each day to sit with a child, read to a child, talk with them about their struggles. The conversation doesn’t have to begin with How was your day, because we all know that they don’t respond in any kind of detail. It could be a question as simple as What was the best thing that happened today, or Was there anything at school today that scared you or made you feel embarrassed. Your job is to listen!

Zari Alipour, Ph.D.
Making Wise Choices in a Disruptive Age
www.DrZari.com
Zari@DrZari.com
310-574-3832

Dr. Zari is a psychologist for adolescents and adults. She teaches adolescents how to make decisions that are in their best interests and empowers teachers, counselors and parents with the words and accountability tools that reinforce healthy choices.