When our kids are having problems, it can be hard to think about anything else. We find ourselves Googling for answers at 2 a.m. and doing our best to help.  But if we aren’t careful, we end up creating more of the very problem we are trying to solve. 

Our worry about their geometry grade adds to their worry and makes it harder for them to remember which one is cosine.  Our concerns about their sketchy new boyfriend only serve to make that relationship even more attractive to them and they start hiding it.

When this happens, it's important to look where we are putting our attention.  Garth Stein talks about this in his fantastic book the “Art of Racing in the Rain”.  He describes it like this. “In racing, they say that your car goes where your eyes go. The driver who cannot tear his eyes away from the wall as he spins out of control will meet that wall; the driver who looks down the track as he feels his tires break free will regain control of his vehicle.”

-“Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein

When we harness the power of focused attention, we can keep our eyes on the road (solution), avoid hitting the wall, and increase our kid’s chance of success.

If you have questions about how to apply this tool to a situation you are struggling with, please take advantage of a free private call with me to walk you through it.  Click here for a link to my calendar and we will find a time to get you focused on the right path.  See you there!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:

• How to choose your focus so that it supports a successful outcome.
• A simple but brilliant question to help you get clarity on what you really want.
• How to provide powerful leadership that teaches your kids to solve their own problems without crashing.
• How to generate more solutions to your current problem.
• Why problems are a good thing during the teen years.