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Going with What Works in the Present
Introduction:
This week, we’ll explore how focusing on the present can ease parenting worries and how certain behavioral qualities—like flexibility and empathy—can be modeled to encourage better behavior in children.
Task 1: Letting Go of Future Worries
1. Think of a parenting situation where you worry about the future (e.g., sleeping, eating, pacifiers).
What thoughts or fears do you have about what might happen if the current situation continues?
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2. What works for your child and family right now in this situation? How does it make everyone feel?
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​3. How can you embrace what works for now, while trusting that your child will outgrow this phase when the time is right?
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Task 2: Fostering Key Qualities for Positive Behavior
Reflect on the four key qualities that support positive behavior: tolerating frustration, flexibility, problem-solving, and empathy.
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1. How do you typically handle frustration in front of your child?
Are there moments where you could model more patience and tolerance?
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2. Think of a recent situation where you needed to be flexible with your child. How did you
adjust your expectations? How did your child respond?
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3. How do you encourage problem-solving in your child? Do you give them space to figure
things out, or do you tend to step in too quickly?
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​4. When was the last time you actively showed your child how to see a situation from someone else’s perspective? What was the situation, and how did you explain it?
Task 3: Modeling Good Behavior
1. Think of a moment recently where you displayed the behavior you want your child to mimic (e.g., patience, kindness, flexibility). How did your child react?
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2. Which of the four key qualities do you find most challenging to model, and how can you work on this?
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Final Reflection
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1. How has letting go of future worries improved your day-to-day parenting?
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2. Which of the four key qualities—tolerating frustration, flexibility, problem-solving,
or empathy—are you focusing on most with your child? How are they responding?
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Progress Tracker
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Use this section to evaluate your progress in going with what works in the present and modeling good behavior for your child.
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Quantitative Tracking
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1. How often were you able to let go of future worries and focus on what works for your family right now?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 5
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2. How often did you model one of the four key qualities for positive behavior (tolerating frustration, flexibility, problem-solving, empathy)?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 2
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( ) 5
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3. How confident do you feel about your ability to embrace the present while trusting that your child will grow and change over time?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):
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( ) 5
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Qualitative Tracking
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1. What was the most important insight you gained about going with what works in the present?
2. How has focusing on the four key qualities affected your relationship with your child?