I got back from work yesterday and met my boy focusing on something else even though he saw me. He didn’t say ‘hello’ or ‘welcome mummy’, no hug, nothing!

His brother heard my voice and ran to welcome me with a hug instead.

Then I said to my other son, ‘you are yet to say hello to mummy, where is my hug?’

He walked up to me as though I forced him to greet.

I was quite upset. This boy has been behaving somehow for some days now and I’ve been correcting him. I was tempted to raise my voice but I held my tongue and kept my cool.

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I said to him, ‘let’s go and have a chat’.

We sat on the bed together and I opened up with a prayer.

Then I took time to tell him some of the changes I’ve noticed. I asked him what has been going on. We spoke at length, then he told me about something that has been happening in school which he hasn’t been happy about. Apparently it has been affecting him. I validated his feelings and hugged him and we got it sorted.

I then expressed how I would love for him to welcome me when I get back from work and we finished our chat with prayers, hugs and kisses.

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I got home tonight very tired without even remembering the conversation yesterday.

To my surprise, my son ran towards me, all smiles, prostrated and gave me a hug!

I kissed him on the fore head and whispered in his ears, ‘I’m so proud of you, well done for being obedient’. He made my evening!

Dear parents, before you yell at that child, hear them out and show some love and affection. Children are still trying to figure out how to express their emotions and they could do it in ways that annoy you. Rather than get annoyed at them, help them navigate this struggle.

I hope this helps someone?

May God give us the wisdom we need in raising our kids.

Regards

Dr Blessing Ekundayo | Relationship Educator and Mental Health Practitioner