Every parent, even one from a faith-filled, and well-functioning family unit, will hear the hurtful words of a frustrated child. “I hate you” and “I wish I was in another family” are words that cut straight to the bone. But rather than feel personally attacked by these upsetting phrases, take a moment to look below the surface of your daughter’s anger.  

Analyzing the situation might reveal what she’s really expressing: perhaps feeling misunderstood, frustrated, out of control, or excluded. 

Kids don’t always have the same emotional intelligence as adults—it’s up to you as her parent to love her through the cutting words and remind her that she is unconditionally loved and that she belongs. Remember the words of Corinthians, among many other things, love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongdoing. 

1 Corinthians 13 

Listen to the Raising Godly Girls Minute with Patti Garibay: