When a child has trouble

When times are hardest with a child, I meditate on what I know to be true about the Universe.  Here it is:

God put you and your child together for a reason.  You are not to BLAME for your child's journey.  You did not cause everything negative in their life.  Don't get between your child and their path.  Rather, know that the Universe did not make a mistake; you have something unique to offer your child as they make their way.  Be quiet and listen. You will figure out what your unique gift to your child is in this difficult time.

You are not the central character in your child's life.  As your child grows, you will take a smaller and smaller role in their life.  You have a supporting role in their story - decide what that role will be and work towards it.  Will you be the judgement they had to overcome in order to find themselves?  Will you be the teacher who helped them develop skills they needed?  Will you be the warm, calm place they always knew they could go?

Visualize how you want them to feel when they think about you, and bring that energy forward as you parent, especially when they are having the most trouble.