UNILATERAL SHIFT #1 of 3 —
NEW VIEW ON PROBLEM BEHAVIORS
Discover how a shift toward an acceptance lens vs an accountability lens can change the way you view problem behaviors.
A New Beginning: Embracing Acceptance for a more Balanced, Peaceful Home
Dealing with Defiance… Disrespect…Dangerous & Destructive behaviors?
Adoptive moms often find ourselves navigating an intricate maze of emotions and behaviors that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and overstressed…and seeking solutions to manage all of this, often through lenses of accountability and control/counter-control.
This is especially true when dealing with the challenging patterns of problem behaviors in our adopted teenagers, which can have a profound impact on the entire family. It's easy to fall into the common trap of addressing these issues through a stringent lens of accountability, believing that if we can just hold our children accountable, their behaviors will change.
Often, our instinct is to lean into accountability, trying to address troubling behaviors through punishment and contrived consequences.
I wonder if you might like to explore a different approach (?)
What if, instead of concentrating solely on accountability, we pivot toward acceptance?
The Dangers of the Accountability Approach
First let’s consider the dangers of the accountability lens. Holding our teenagers accountable for their problem behaviors seems logical on the surface. However, in the case of adopted teenagers already struggling with emotional turmoil, now with teenage hormones and all the rest… the reality is that this approach can be more harmful than helpful.
- It can instigate a cycle of tension and rebellion, creating a chasm between you and your child,
- they may feel judged rather than supported.
- A parent push for accountability can inadvertently send a message that parental love and acceptance are conditional & based on their behavior, (which can be particularly perilous for adopted children who may already struggle with feelings of abandonment and worthiness.)
Many of us strive to teach our children through our (often contrived) efforts at holding them accountable, to understand the consequences of their actions. But with patterns of behavior stemming from trauma, insecurity, or internal turmoil, a strict focus on accountability can be
- ineffective and lead to a dangerous and frustrating cycle for both you and your child;
- exhausting and lead to feelings of failure for you as a parent;
- a set up and reinforcement of patterns of triangulation with other adults — the other parent, their teachers, or other authority figures.
Teens in turmoil often feel misunderstood and isolated; parents feel disrespected; siblings may feel divided loyalties…all creating and deepening emotional barriers.
Benefits of switching to an acceptance lens
When we switch to an acceptance lens it not only benefits our children but also significantly reduces our own stress levels.
When we shift our perspective in this way, we open ourselves to a deeper understanding of our children and the battles they might be fighting internally.
Adopting an acceptance lens nurtures an environment of emotional safety. It allows our children to feel seen, heard, and loved unconditionally, providing them the solid ground they need to navigate their emotions and behaviors. Emotional safety is the cornerstone of trust and connection in relationship.
Moreover, focusing on acceptance rather than strict accountability allows us as mothers to take back control of our spaces and roles within the family. It empowers us to set and maintain personal boundaries without depending on our teen's cooperation or the involvement of other family members. This autonomy is crucial in preserving our well-being and maintaining a balanced household.
If this sounds good then listen to the next episode for part two going deeper into this important shift from an accountability lens to an acceptance lens and what that means (and doesn’t mean) for you as a Christian mom in a post-adoptive family.
Be sure to follow this podcast so you don’t miss part two of shift #1 as well as upcoming episodes on these 3 Unilateral Shifts for helping Adoptive Moms step out of problematic patterns of behaviors.
And for those of you in the Facebook group please add your takeaways, questions & comments and we can continue the discussion over there.
And as always,
KEEP LEARNING - KEEP GROWING - KEEP LOVING
đź’śđź©·♥️
Dawn
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Post Adoption (Mom) Coach
“STANDING IN THE GAP FOR 2ND MOMS”
Dawn Baggett is a podcaster and thought leader in Christian post adoption. As a Certified LifeMapping(R) Coach, Dawn helps Christian adoptive moms navigate the challenges of their non-traditional families with their own brand of success!
DISCLAIMER: I’m a coach, not a doctor nor a therapist. As a coach I do not offer mental or medical health diagnosis, treatment or cures. Furthermore, I am no longer a practicing attorney and do not offer individual legal advice. For individual advice related to your own personal situation I recommend you seek out an appropriate professional. Coaching may fill a spot in your overall support network.
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Copyright © 2024 Dawn T. Baggett, JD & Legacy Living, LLC - All rights reserved
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