Kids sometimes act like they’re okay when, the day or two before, they were outwardly really struggling with something. Then they act better about it a day or two later, but this doesn’t mean they’re fully over the issue. When we, as parents, see them acting better, let’s not think they must be *feeling* better. So then, of course, we ask them about said issue, and they might continue to hold up the artifice with a prickly response, “No, Dad! not doing better at all.” In these instances, I let them keep their strong front without asking too many more questions. I believe that our kids value it when we give them space like this. They know we’re watching, but we don’t always have to over-communicate about it. Me, personally, I know that I like to keep a chip on my shoulder as I work through problems and issues even if, sometimes especially if, progress is being made.
