As a parent, it's hard to understand right away what's going on with your child and now your college student, you're having this conversation and they're upset. They've got these strong emotions and you're listening and maybe you wanna respond, but you really need more information and that information will help you understand.

Is it more of a an emotion or is it a decision? When I say the emotion, it's an expression of emotion. That's more of a momentary thing. It's important, it's genuine and it's real. It's not like I'm diminishing that, but it is more of this in the moment expression as opposed to a decision where they're making maybe a more permanent choice of what to do with are they dropping a class because they feel it's too hard or they feel done with a relationship?

Do they really wanna be done or is it. They're upset right now and they need to sort through it and weather that storm. By listening and not problem solving, you give them space, express their emotions, sort it out, and let it take its natural course. And by taking that natural course, it gives them a chance to be in a safe place with you expressing what they feel.

Helping them sort through and figure out what is going on? What do they need right now? Maybe they need to make a decision, but going through that with them is really important, and by listening validating, that's really a way to show your love for them and help them find their way.