what happened?

a friend had this on her blog recently and i just wanted to share the inspiration:

THE DAILY GROOVE ~ by Scott Noelle
www.enjoyparenting.com/dailygroove

:: "What Happened?!" ::

A crying child runs into the house from outside,
seeking comfort. The well-meaning parent's first
words: "What happened?!"

This common reaction is one of many subtle ways we
teach our children values that we ourselves never
consciously chose...

* What happened (the past) is more important than
what's happening now (the present).

* Reason is more important than emotions. You can't
simply have a feeling; you have to explain *why*.

* Things happen TO you. You don't create your own
experience.

A few decades later, this child will be reading Daily
Groove messages reminding her to stay *present*, that
feelings *are* important, and that we *do* create our
own experiences! :-)

The next time you're about to ask your child what
happened, decide instead to be still -- to be fully
present with your child, appreciate his or her
emotional journey, and enjoy the feeling of
connection.