Dear Parents,

All parents understand the feeling of being willing to take on the pain of their child's stomachache, sprained ankle, or broken arm to relive their child of hurt. Most parents, though, would rather that their child have a broken bone than a broken heart. Seeing our chilren agonize over emotional pain brings up feelings of helplessness and desperation. As parents, we want to make it all better and save our children from the sometimes harsh realities of life.

But if they are to learn how to cope effectively with the personal challenges in their own lives, our children need to acknowledge and understand their own feelings rather than act out on them inappropriately or stuff them away. That's why it's so important for parents to observe and gently inquire when their children are in emotional distress - usually evidenced by withdrawn or angry behaviors. It is vital for parents to be able to talk about these things and to teach their children how to communicate what they are feeling.

Growing Up is Hard will help you help your child become stronger and more confident by exploring and facing disappointments, hurts, frustrations, and embarrassment.

Shalom,

Dr. Laura Schlessinger