Children have a different view - they see you as you affect THEM. It's hard for them to see you as a full human being, a busy person with many different responsibilities and a person in your own right with your own human needs. This difference in perspective can result in common complaints: "You never listen to me," "You're never home," "You are always on the phone," and so on. Of course your attention is not 100% on this one child! But how should you answer the complaint? Instead of explaining that you have lots to do (which is not going to be good news from the complainer's point of view), try acknowledging her frustration BEFORE correcting her disrespectful attack (see "The Relationship Rule" in my book "Raise Your kids without Raising Your Voice" for how to actually do the correcting part..it's essential to teach children the respectful way to express their feelings to a parent.). Preface your correction with ACKNOWLEDGMENT: "I'm sorry I had to keep you waiting Sweetie. I know you wanted me right away and it's annoying to have to wait." Once she feels cared for and understood, she'll be more open to the guidance that follows.
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