To Sense When A Teenager Needs Understanding

Each Of Us Carries Within Himself A Collection Of Instant Insults.

Whenever I Hear About A Child Needing Something, I Ask Myself, 'is It What He Needs Or What He Wants?' It Isn't Always Easy To Distinguish Between The Two. A Child Has Many Real Needs Which Can And Should Be Satisfied. His Wants Are A Bottomless Pit. He Wants, For Example, To Sleep With His Parents. He Needs To Be In His Own Bed. At Christmas He Wants Every Toy Advertised On Television. He Needs Only One Or Two.

Treat A Child As Though He Already Is The Person He's Capable Of Becoming.

Teachers Are Expected To Reach Unattainable Goals With Inadequate Tools. The Miracle Is That At Times They Accomplish This Impossible Task.

When Children Feel Understood, Their Loneliness And Hurt Diminish. When Children Are Understood, Their Love For Their Parent Is Deepened. A Parent's Sympathy Serves As Emotional First Aid For Bruised Feelings. When We Genuinely Acknowledge A Child's Plight And Voice Her Disappointment, She Often Gathers The Strength To Face Reality.