Starved | Page 65

STARVED Confrontation is not easy for most people. It should not be fueled by anger and unforgiveness but by love and genuine forgiveness. Pray before going into any conflict, choosing to forgive those involved, and then proceed with a calm attitude. Through prayer, forgiveness, and thoughtful consideration, you increase the chance for a positive result. Practical Ways to Build Your Relationship • Love unconditionally. • Spend quality time with your daughter. Connect with her by finding ways to interact with her and engage her. • Attend church together. • Treat your daughter with respect. Talk about her strengths. • Be a good listener; don't always give feedback. • Consistency yields security. Be consistent in your expectations and your parameters. • Emphasize enjoyment of activities rather than performance. • Encourage your daughter to take control of important aspects of her life and to make her own decisions when appropriate. Don't be afraid to provide appropriate limits; being too restrictive or too permissive can both have a negative effect. • Show your daughter how to successfully resolve conflict. • Be aware of media messages regarding women's bodies, and be open to healthy discussions about these. 70