Recap of Our Insightful Session with Brochie Weinberg, MS, LPCC
Last night, we had the privilege of hosting an exceptional class with Brochie Weinberg, MS, LPCC. The session was filled with valuable insights on how to effectively communicate with our teens, particularly our daughters.
Key Takeaways:
- Validate Their Feelings: No matter what emotions your teen may express, it’s crucial to validate them. Every feeling is valid and deserves acknowledgment.
- Use Emotional Vocabulary: Incorporate emotional language into your daily conversations. This helps your teen articulate their feelings and fosters emotional intelligence.
- Monitor Your Own Emotions: It’s important to be aware of your own emotional state when interacting with your teen. Your emotional tone sets the stage for the conversation.
- Model Non-Judgmental Behavior: Demonstrate to your daughter that it’s okay to experience a wide range of emotions without judgment. This encourages them to accept their own feelings without self-criticism.
- Be Honest About Your Feelings: When you’re experiencing intense emotions, be transparent with your teen. This honesty builds trust and shows that it’s okay to feel deeply.
Teaching Assertiveness:
Another significant point Brochie emphasized was the importance of teaching our daughters the difference between passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior. Understanding these distinctions is key to developing healthy communication skills and self-advocacy.
Building Resilience:
Brochie also highlighted the necessity of fostering resilience in our teens. As parents, it’s essential to:
- Recognize that feelings are like waves; they come and go.
- Help teens tolerate discomfort and understand that it’s a part of life.
- Encourage meaningful endurance, teaching them to push through challenges.
- Accept what cannot be changed and focus on what can be influenced.
I particularly appreciated Brochie’s straightforward approach to helping teens take responsibility for their actions. Her guidance was both practical and empowering.