Boy! Ditch the Discipline, Embrace the Feels: A Spartan's Guide to NOT Raising a Rage Monster

Hmph. More Parenting 'Wisdom'

Faye is gone. And with her the quiet. Now I am burdened with raising a son. Boy they say there are many paths to forging a capable warrior… or as these mortals call them 'successful kids.' Authoritative authoritarian gentle… By the gods enough! I have seen more bloodshed than sand on the shores of Midgard and I tell you now strength comes not from rigid discipline nor from weakness but from knowing oneself. This 'emotional safety,' as they call it is not for the weak. It is a forging of a different kind.

Emotional Safety? Is That Like Armor?

This… 'emotionally safe parenting' speaks of attuning oneself to the child's… *shudders*… 'emotional needs.' They say to build resilience trust and… connection. 'Connection?' Is that like the chains that bound me to the gods of Olympus? No. This is different. This is about open and honest conversations. Though I am a God I am also a father. It seems even the Ghost of Sparta must learn new tactics. I who once knew only rage am now tasked with… *sighs*… understanding feelings. Gods help me.

Traits? Like Strength or Magic?

They list the qualities of these… 'emotionally safe' parents. Accepting feelings not dismissing them. Responding without… shaming. BAH! Shame is a weapon I know it well. But these mortals say 'bad' behavior is a signal not defiance. 'Defiance' I understand but 'stress signals'...? They speak of taking responsibility apologizing. By the beard of Zeus! Apologizing? I Kratos apologizing? Perhaps there is merit to this after all. To control one's rage one must first understand its source even in another.

Inner Work? Sounds Like a Labor of Hercules

This path begins with the parent they say. Reflect on one's own childhood their… 'emotional triggers.' Before correcting the child ask oneself: 'What part of me feels threatened?' Threat? I am Kratos! I fear nothing! But… Faye’s death still echoes. I must confront my own shadows if I am to guide Atreus through his. Perhaps even a Spartan can learn a new way. *grumbles* Boy fetch me the journal.

Behavior as a Signal? Is the Boy Sending Smoke Signals Now?

Misbehavior is not disrespect but a plea for support. Instead of seeing a slammed door as rudeness see it as… 'overwhelm?' They ask 'What is the behavior trying to tell me?' Not 'How do I stop this?' Hmph. Curiosity over consequence. Asking 'What were you feeling?' instead of unleashing the Blades of Chaos. I… suppose this is progress. Control your rage Kratos. Control it.

Empathy and Preventing Shame

Limits are necessary but not with fear or shame. Validate feelings without changing the limit. *mutters* 'You're frustrated this isn't going your way.' Reconnect after hard moments. It is not about being perfect but about showing healthy repair. Owning your part not blaming the child. Bah! This sounds like the endless cycle of regret that has plagued me for decades! However restoring connection before problem solving. Let's take a few deep breaths together then we can talk about what happened. There may be something of value to this approach. Boy let us try this… together.