So what can adults do to help prevent scarring children?

#1 Be Present. You have to be aware of what you are doing. To be aware you must be fully present in each moment. Being present in the moment you can catch yourself (your actions) scarring a child and stop. This is hard to do because most of the time we walk around on ‘autopilot’ letting what happens happen (doing and saying whatever comes out).  

#2 Communicate with your children. Acknowledge children and their feelings by communicating to them. Since a scar or smudge can be created without words, explain why you are doing or not doing something. The “Children should be seen not heard.” mentality must be overcome.

#3 Admit your mistakes. It is easy to lose your temper. We all do it. If you blow up and hurt a child’s feelings go back and make sure they understand why you lost your temper. Don’t let the child make their own conclusion up. “Mommy yelled at me. I must be really bad. She must not love me.”

#4 Work on yourself. You may not know every little scar or smudge you have but I am sure you are aware of some of the big ones that plague you. Work to rid yourself on the ones that hurt your relationships.