The Power of Metaphors

To help your child use metaphors to describe challenging situations in his or her life, which assists in developing a deeper understanding of problems, as well as finding solutions. Using metaphors can also bring humor to difficult situations.

Activity Instructions:

Have your child discuss a problem that she's experiencing and help her think of as many metaphors as possible to describe it. For example: "Being surrounded by mean girls at school makes me feel like I am in a war zone, fighting off the enemy. I need to come up with some weapons I can use to defend myself in this war zone." Applying metaphors can help your child gain some distance from intense feelings, learn not to take herself so seriously, and discover solutions she may not have considered before.

Outcome:

By putting problems into perspective through metaphor, your child will be able to reduce emotional reactions and get to the true heart of the situation.