76. Seeing Beyond Your Child’s Behavior: Shifting Focus in Parenting

Parenting Post-Wilderness: Parenting a Struggling Teen Before, During and After Treatment

How can you shift your parenting focus from your children's behaviors to understanding the emotions and needs driving those behaviors?

We know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of focusing solely on your child’s behavior. It’s what you see, what’s on the forefront, and it’s so easy to notice: whether they wake up in time, their grades, etc.

Combine this with the fear and uncertainty that being a parent can bring sometimes and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So in those moments, let’s try to tap into the power of understanding and connection.

Let’s be clear: behaviors matter. But they're just the tip of the iceberg. When you learn how to dig deeper, you uncover the real feelings and struggles your child might be facing. It's about creating a safe space for expression and connection, where your kid feels seen, heard, and valued.

When you parent from a place of empathy and understanding, you can truly transform your relationship with your teen and foster a deeper connection with them.

Listen to the entire episode for practical tips and honest discussions on nurturing empathy and connection in your parenting journey.

In this episode on shifting your parenting focus from behavior to connection, we discuss:

• Why parents tend to primarily focus on behaviors;
• What is your child trying to express through their behavior?;
• Creating a safe space for expression;
• Building a connection and relationship with your child;
• Tapping into your inner child to understand your kid better;
• And more!

If you’d like to connect, you can find me on Instagram (@bethhillmancoaching) or go to my website www.bethhillmancoaching.com. And if you’re interested in working with me, you can learn more about my private coaching here or my group coaching here.

And remember parents, the change begins with us.

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