Dr. Leman has said he is against perfectionism, but how do you overcome your work to raise a “perfect-child?” What about kids who talk late into the night? What should you do? This episode answers these two questions with Dr. Leman’s unmatched wit and wisdom.
LISTEN HERE
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
Question #1 Christine:
I am working on “de-perfecting” my daughter who we were raising as a perfect child. Right my 6 year old is worried about her piano concert, instead of being able to enjoy the experience. What is your advice?
Dr. Leman’s Answer:
Perfectionism is slow suicide. I say this often. It drives people to do the impossible.
Perfectionism becomes a weapon to embrace the whole family in the person’s struggle.
I say: “Pursue EXCELLENCE, not perfection!”
Try these pocket phrases on the perfectionist:
“Honey, I know it’s a huge thing to you, but it is not to me.”
“Wow, you’ve really worked hard on that!”
Question #2 Chantal:
My kids share a room and will stay up talking late into the night, sometimes talking for 3-4 hours. How do I get them to stop talking?
Dr. Leman’s Answer:
You can’t make a child sleep!
Here are my recommendations:
- Say nothing
- Ignore them
- Eventually they’ll wind down
- Don’t respond to their questions
- Go to bed and turn out all the lights
By making a change, you will catch them off guard.
You can use the pocket phrase: “I’m Done!”