Here's another Parenting Tip from Community Concepts and WOXO:

July 2000:

Are you ever discouraged when it seems every conversation you have with your child ends in a fight? Or, it seems you don't talk with your child anymore, other than issuing commands? Children do want to talk with their parents, but sometimes parents' gut responses turn children off to further talk. When your child tells you something, DON'T IMMEDIATELY REACT. Keep a straight face and say "Oh, hmmm" with an even voice. If you react negatively, your child won't tell you anymore. This is hard work for parents. You have to be a bit of an actor and not show emotion when your child tells you she broke the neighbor's window. That "oh, hmmm" will give you a few moments to pull your thoughts together and not react in ways you may later regret. Those few seconds will give you the chance to think rather than react blindly, and will, over the long term, increase your relationship with your children. It's hard work but worth it.

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