Trust him.
Respect him.
Observe him.
Listen to him.
Ceremoniously slow.
Wait.
Breathe.
Soften.
He’s not giving you a hard time, he’s having a hard time.
We are on the same team.
Don’t react, respond.
He’s only little once.
Remember how old he is.
Do with, as opposed to do to.
You are here to help, not make it worse.
You do have time for this.
This is what matters.
Set limits early.
When you know better, you can do better.
This is an opportunity to connect.
What need is he communicating?
Where is he coming from?
Talk aloud what’s happened.
This is not an emergency.
I am where I need to be.
This is age appropriate.
Treat him how you’d like to be treated.
Share your calm, don’t join the chaos.
Acknowledge the inner delight.
See the effort, voice the effort.
Be consistent.
It’s not personal.
I am here.
I hear you.
Your words today will become his inner voice tomorrow.
He’s doing his best.
Hours are long, but the years are short.
It’s harder for him than it is for me.
Let feelings be, they don’t belong to me.
Be who you want him to be.
