THE RULE
As usual, my rule is
"Don't punish the child even if you don't like what he wrote".
If he writes "f... off", tell him, "I also need to see some "feeling words"
that describe why he wants me to....Anger, frustration, etc. and then I'd
like three alternative actions that you could take in the future."
Deal with this book as if it is a journal. It is part of the child's inner
feelings. Treat the book and the child's feelings with respect. You may want
to ask permission before reading it. Assure the child that there will be no
reprisals for what is written there. And older children may make better use
of it if they know you are not going to read it. It is a book that may be
helpful to a therapist if the child is seeing one.
