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Dads – Listen, Appreciate, Play!
By Greg Browne, LCSW
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Dads… Here’s a way to put a smile on your kid’s face that won’t
cost you a penny. Take a moment to be truly present with your
children. Play with, listen to, and appreciate them in an
unhurried way for a few moments each day.

By doing this you will convey unconditional love and acceptance of them
as a person even if you don’t always accept their behaviors. Being
focused on your child, even for just a few minutes, takes patience
and heart. Challenge yourself to really listen; ask open-ended
questions and show interest by listening more and talking less.
Remember to appreciate and acknowledge what your kids are
doing well. Catch them in the act of being good! This will build
their confidence and self-esteem.

Last but not least, don’t forget to get down on the floor and play,
maybe even act a little silly and see what happens. You just
might be surprised by the smile it brings to your child’s face…and
your own!

A little can go a long way!

Click here and listen to all the Mental Health Minutes

Other Mental Health Minute segments by Greg Browne, LCSW
and Charlene Yamamoto, LCSW include:
(Click for PDF download)

Stress Management - In These Difficult Economic Times
Music to Your Ears
Couple-hood In Tough Economic Times
How Do You Know When Someone Needs Help
General Facts About Mental Illness

Mental Health Minute is presented on: