February 15 2024-The author recounts a moment of frustration with their toddler, Ethan, who throws a tantrum when they take a clicker from him. Feeling guilty, they attempt to comfort Ethan but struggle to calm him down. However, when the author’s husband steps in and uses redirection with a toy, Ethan’s tantrum stops, highlighting the effectiveness of redirecting a child’s focus. The author compares this technique to their work in politics, where redirecting attention is also crucial.
When my foster child threw a tantrum, I realized how important it was to provide a safe emotional space when he was going through trauma
Updated on February 15, 2024