Catastrophizing and Over-Empathizing

Do you know the two detours on the road to good communication with your teen? The first is the anxiety-ridden town of Catastrophize. This is where all small problems become BIG PROBLEMS WE NEED TO SOLVE NOOOOOOOOW! Yikes. The other is the town of Over-Empathize, where your teen’s pain becomes your pain. Again, not helpful. Bypass these two no-go zones and head straight for the Land of Good Communication by listening calmly and asking questions that continue — instead of shut down — conversation. Your non-reaction gives them the space to process their feelings. And that moves everyone forward.

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