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Why you and your child keep getting stuck

by Noriko Abenojar
Apr 16, 2026

Sometimes it’s not just your child.

And it’s not just you either.

It’s the dynamic between the two of you.


You might notice moments like this:

  • You keep asking your child to do something…and they keep resisting.
  • The more you push, the more they push back or freeze.
  • It can be so frustrating, like nothing is working.

In moments like that, it’s easy to focus on:

👉 “Why won’t my child just do this?”

But the more helpful question is:

👉 What is happening between us right now?

**After 21 years of being a parent, this can still be really hard for me at home. 


That small shift can change how you respond.

  • Not by fixing everything…
  • but by helping you step out of the pattern you might both be stuck in.
  • You don’t have to get it perfect.
  • Just noticing it a little earlier can start to change what happens next.

 

We’ve been talking about this idea inside the membership this month, and it’s been a really meaningful discussion.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.

Pausing, slowing things down, and choosing a more intentional response can begin to help you step out of the pattern.


NORIKO'S NOTES: sharing my life's simple joys💜

It's time to celebrate!

I have officially been cancer free for 5 years!

How do I feel? I feel great and grateful. The treatments I went through in 2019-2021 (with a break in the middle) were a great wakeup call for me to be more mindful of my mental and physical health, never take having good/steady healthcare for granted, and never miss important check-ups because I feel I am too busy and "I'll do it later". 

As busy parents, it is easy to put our needs last. That is what I used to do. And if I had continued, I would be telling you a different life story. 

If you have any appointments, lab tests, scans, or even dental appointments you've been putting off because you’ve been busy taking care of others,
PLEASE take a moment and make that call or book it online today!!

Your family needs you to be healthy and present. 

Thank you for letting me share my simple joy💜. 


Follow me on

Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn: @NorikoAbenojar


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Noriko Abenojar, MSW PPS


Parenting REdefined

Social and Cognitive Learning Center

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