✍️ Reflections From My Practice - Being the Safe Adult in the Roomt

✍️ Reflections From My Practice - Being the Safe Adult in the Room

One of the things I often remind parents and practitioners is that connection isn't something we only offer when children are calm and cooperative. In fact, some of the most important moments for connection happen when things are difficult.

A child is shouting.

A child refuses.

A child lashes out.

A child is crying and can't explain why.

We don't have to choose between:

“I need to stop this behaviour.”

and

“I want my child to know I'm here.”

We can do both.

“I can see you're really angry.”

“I won't let you hit.”

“I'm staying with you.”

“We'll work this out when you're ready.”

The boundary is still there. But the child isn't facing the difficult moment alone.

That's what connection can look like. Not giving in. Not avoiding boundaries. Not making everything okay.

Just communicating:

“I'm here. We'll get through this together.”

Sometimes connection isn't about finding the perfect words.

It's about being the safe adult in the room.