Page 15 - Perfect Parents, Perfect Children, and Other Fairy Tales

manipulation. They want us to feel guilty for not
giving them what they want. They want us to feel

like they think they are unloved. They want us to
think that they know we don’t care.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

We care enough to watch out for them and help

them make good choices, even when they are at an
age that makes it difficult for them to think through
consequences clearly.

We care enough to know when to draw the line.

We care enough not to be swayed by their words
and behavior.

We care enough to know that deep down inside,
they know we love them enough to stand with

them, even though they think it’s against them.

So when your child comes to you with that phrase,
remind them of a few things.

Remind them that you care and that you love them.

Remind them that you are listening very closely to

what they are saying.

Remind them that listening and agreeing are not the
same thing.

And you care enough to know the difference.

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