How to Help When Your Child Has a Bad Day
Is your child having a bad day? Maybe classes were tough, or she didn’t make the sports team. It’s natural for you to feel down when your child is. Don’t blame yourself or try to fix it. There is a certain way parents should respond when their child is having a hard time. Polk County Catholic schools offer advice on the right things to say and do.
Know That God is Aware and Handling It
You know that God is aware of our hardships and struggles. Believe in Him, and trust in His love and protection. Psalm 3:4 says, “But you, LORD, are a shield around me; my glory, you keep my head high.” Let her know that you’re praying for her.
Struggles Have Value
The Bible says that problems and trials are good for us, as they help us learn to be patient. Read Romans 5:3–4 with your child; it states that affliction produces endurance, which develops character and hope. Hope does not disappoint. Teach your child this attitude to help her get through her hardships.
This is Not Her Entire Story
Inspire this sort of thinking now so that as your child gets older, she can handle her difficult times with grace. Have her understand that a bad day does not sum up her whole story or her future. Life will be a rollercoaster of good and bad times, so the prayers and faith in God must keep on. Reassure her it will be okay, and remind her that she has gotten over bad days before.
Let Her Know You Are Proud of Her
Sometimes all a child — or person, really — needs is a pat on the back and a reminder that someone is proud of them. As her parent, you are the most important person in her life. You are her role model, and the person she wants to please the most, aside from God. She should know that you are not disappointed in her, and if you are, the feeling will pass. Have confidence in her abilities to make it through tough days. She will figure it out — and she needs to believe that herself.
Hugs and Ice Cream
Lastly, be sure to have her take a deep breath, ask her if she wants a hug, and give her ice cream. The three cures for almost anything! Gentle reminders like this reassure her that you really, really love her and would do anything for her.
At Polk County Catholic schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.