Can a Mom's Empathy Be Patronizing?

Janet responds to an email from a mother who says her husband gets irritated when she acknowledges the feelings of their 16-month-old son. She writes: “He says it feels very patronizing, and that if someone suggested to him what his feelings were, he would get mad.” This mom wonders how to respond to her husband’s attitude and whether she’s using the right language when acknowledging their son’s feelings.

For more on common infant/toddler parenting issues, please check out Janet's audio series "Sessions", her recorded consultations with parents discussing their most immediate and pressing concerns. Find out more at: SessionsAudio.com.

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