November 30, 2015

Sometimes, out of impatience, frustration, discouragement, anxiety, or anger with their adolescent, parents can let hard feelings dictate the language they use. Attacking the problem by attacking the young person, they can engage in name-calling to vent displeasure over what is or is not going on, to painful effect. But why should this be painful? After all, just think of that old adage: “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” No.