Your Mirror First

Q: Dear Dr. Guterson - I’m super upset with my son who doesn’t do his homework. Can you help him? A: I appreciate your concern for your son, but I’d like you to try looking at this from a different angle. The best way to help your son is to first look at yourself. To help him, it’s first important to identify why you are upset with your son. Is it anger - and if so, what is the true root of your anger? Or is it a feeling that your son’s lack of focus reflects poorly on you as a father? To communicate effectively with your son, it’s crucial that you are coming from a wholesome place. The journey to good mental health always starts with first looking in the mirror. Once you can get clarity inside yourself, you will then be better suited to help him.