I attended a parenting Q and A panel last week where I thought I might just cringe at all the old school, by the book advice that was sent out. There was a little, but mostly I was refreshingly surprised and even picked up a good tip or two. The best thing I learned was "freeze your eyebrows". That just cracks me up, but makes so much sense. When your kids (or anyone, for that matter) are talking to you, freeze your eyebrows so as not to give away your immediate reaction. If you don't respond right away, you have time to formulate a coherent statement, gain a little composure, and even say a little prayer if you need to. No more shock value if your teenager wants to knock you to the floor with the latest scandal at school or in their life. Maybe I'll practice in a mirror since people typically know how I feel because it is written all over my face. I need to find a non-fake, sincere, non-contemplative, and loving look. Yeah, not gonna happen. Hmm, anyone got any better advice?
2 comments:
How in the world do you pull that off? I don't think I would be able to ever do that. I react, facially, VERY quickly.
I learned something very similar when teaching. You're supposed to look bored. It scares kids because they expect the worst when they don't know what you're thinking. If you run your tongue on the rooftop of your mouth it completely relaxes your jaw and makes your face neutral. Works every time!
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