The alert parent will hear snippets of negative programming a child has picked up at school or in other settings. It is important at these times to gently help the child reframe negative experiences or learning.

Few things are all or nothing. A child who believes himself to be “stupid” can be guided to acknowledge things he is good at.

The transience of childhood friendships can lead to hard feelings, “I hate her!” A useful parental response might be to help the child recall ‘her’ good points. Rather than attempt to force the child to retain the friendship, this is an opportunity to explore how people can be different, with unique knowledge and opinions, and still be okay. So, a friendship can be ended without bad feelings.

Part 1, Introduction; Part 2, Speak positively, Part 3, Speak in the present; Part 4, Validate feelings, Part 5, Double binds; Part 7, Educate; Part 8, Redirect, rehearse, reinforce desirable behaviors