Dignity and Self-Respect

"You are your most important resource. You always carry yourself with you." - Virginia Satir

Virginia Satir, a gifted therapist and teacher, was a champion of self-esteem. She taught that dignity and self-respect were essentials for a responsible and fulfilling life. This is why it is so important to build our children up and never tear them down, not matter how frustrated we may be with their behavior. We must learn to set limits and establish discipline without doing damage to their dignity self-respect.

Talk Slowly

Talk slowly but think quickly.

This is highly useful advice for parents. When we face an issue of discipline, resistance or disobedience with our child, it is very important to check our first impulse. Our first impulse is most often triggered by fear of losing control of the situation or we are acting on the reflexive desire to reinforce our authority. When we take a moment to think before we speak, we are more likely to avoid an emotional scene or a power struggle. You can always ask questions such as, "How do you see this?" Or, "What is important to you at this moment?" By asking non-threatening questions, you can buy yourself some time to think as well as calm your inner mind so that you can actually pay attention to your child rather than reacting to them.

Self-mastery

Self-mastery

"The lion who breaks the enemy's ranks is a minor hero compared to the lion who overcomes himself." - Rumi

Rumi, the great Persian poet and mystic understood the importance of self mastery. If we cannot master ourselves we will be unable to accomplish the things we dream of. Self-mastery, like self-discipline, requires that we remember what is most important and keep that as the focus of our attention. Whatever captured and retains our attention determines the course of our lives.