“Instead of telling yourself that if there’s another blowup this morning you’re going to be really angry or feel like a complete failure, or that you are certain your child really is trying to sabotage the day, you can say, “I’m expecting that this morning may not go smoothly. Whatever happens, I am proud of myself for not letting it upset me.” Or, “I understand that it’s difficult for my child to separate in the morning. She’s really not just trying to get me.” Or, “Something must be upsetting her. We can figure it out.” Or, “This morning may be tough, but she really is learning. Six months ago every day had a blowup, now it’s only once or twice a week.”