The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

by Daniel J. Siegel

But it’s also true that feelings need to be recognized for what they are: temporary, changing conditions. They are states, not traits. They’re like the weather. Rain is real, and we’d be foolish to stand in a downpour and act as if it weren’t actually raining. But we’d be just as foolish to expect that the sun will never reappear. We need to help children

on average, an emotion comes and goes in ninety seconds. If

Too often we forget that “discipline” really means “to

teach”—not “to punish.” A disciple

Mindsight is the basis of both social and emotional intelligence. It allows children to learn that they are a part of a larger

world of relationships where feelings matter and connections are a source of reward, meaning, and fun.

There’s nothing more important you can do as a parent than to be intentional about the way you’re shaping your child’s mind. What you do matters profoundly.

It’s not your responsibility to avoid all mistakes, any more than you’re supposed to remove all obstacles your children face. Instead, your job is to be present with your children and connect with them through the ups and downs of life’s journey.