Roya's Dedeaux, MFTi - Exercise of the Day to help parents validate what their children love to do

Reposted with permission from Roya Dedeaux, MFTi 

http://royadedeaux.com/ 

Exercise of the Day: write down 3 things your child is interested in, and then write down at LEAST 25 benefits they receive from doing/watching/working/etc on that thing. Now do it for yourself.

Why? It's so hard sometimes for parents to watch their kids on that 3rd, 5th, 12th hour of something they so *clearly* enjoy, without doubting what it is they are getting from it. You making that list makes you stop and think and really be an ally to your child.

Parents who find this challenging also tend to be the ones who are hard on themselves and the time they'd like to spend on their own interests. It's validating for you, too! Give yourself, and your kids, your spouse, your friends - the respect to understand the benefits of what they love.