What do you do if you have a "personality conflict" with your child?
Aren't parents and kids supposed to get along? Aren't they supposed to love and appreciate each other naturally? Well, the good news is that it is normal for kids and parents to have a natural appreciation for each other, but it is far from abnormal when a parent is closer to one child than another.
It's called "Parent/Child Fit". It means that the personality of the child and parent aren't as compatible as they might like. But don't give up hope. Like any relationship, parents and kids can improve their relationships. Here's what you can do as a parent:
1. SEE your child. When you're easily upset with your kid, it's easy to forget who they are and what their value is. They are your child. You created them. They breathe, dream, are inspired and despair just like you. Take a moment to look at them, watch them smile and laugh, listen to them cry, see their interests in their creations.
2. LISTEN to you child. They have things to say that are important to them, even if you don't agree. Just taking time to share the experience of hearing their opinions will create new empathy in you and respect in them.
3. PLAY with your child. Spend time with them. Read, dance, sing, draw, work....the list goes on. As you spend time together, your relationship will grow closer.
Take some time to tell us about your relationship and what you've done to make it more fulfilling for you and your child.