January 2015-Parent Tip on F.L.I.P.-It (Turning around an emotional situation with your child)
One of the things that has helped me as a parent and a school counselor is the ability to think quickly on my feet when a tense or emotional situation arises. Sometimes a handy word that stands for helpful steps, can really make a difference. One of the acronyms I want to teach you about is the term F.L.I.P. -it. Here is how this word can help you as a parent straight out of the gate in 2015:
F-This stands for FEELINGS. It is important to validate your child's feelings, even if you are not fully understanding nor accepting of why he or she is feeling this way.
L-This letter stands for LIMITS and EXPECTATIONS. It is important to tell your teen or child the limits and expectations on a situation. After you connect with them through the feelings step, now it is time for them to know what you expect from them.
I-This stands for INQUIRIES. It is important to ask your teen or child what they think they should do about the situation. This is a very important step because it teaches them to learn problem-solving skills and decision-making.
P-This stands for PROMPT. Some teens and children don't always know what to do-especially if they are still upset. This is where you can offer suggestions. For example, you could suggest they choose a Kelso's Choice or they could calm down first through listening to music. Draw on the strategies that they know and feel comfortable using.
Hopefully, after you and your child/teen use FLIP-It, you can start fresh with whatever you have planned for that day.
Happy New Year to all families and students at St. Joseph School!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor
F-This stands for FEELINGS. It is important to validate your child's feelings, even if you are not fully understanding nor accepting of why he or she is feeling this way.
L-This letter stands for LIMITS and EXPECTATIONS. It is important to tell your teen or child the limits and expectations on a situation. After you connect with them through the feelings step, now it is time for them to know what you expect from them.
I-This stands for INQUIRIES. It is important to ask your teen or child what they think they should do about the situation. This is a very important step because it teaches them to learn problem-solving skills and decision-making.
P-This stands for PROMPT. Some teens and children don't always know what to do-especially if they are still upset. This is where you can offer suggestions. For example, you could suggest they choose a Kelso's Choice or they could calm down first through listening to music. Draw on the strategies that they know and feel comfortable using.
Hopefully, after you and your child/teen use FLIP-It, you can start fresh with whatever you have planned for that day.
Happy New Year to all families and students at St. Joseph School!
Jennifer Moyer-Taylor