Terry is an aggressive preschooler who frequently harms other children his age and younger. His dad shrugs off the problem, saying, Well, he's got a little spunk, that one.

Dierdre is a moody fifteen year old who spends a lot of time in her room alone. She rarely goes out with friends. She seems depressed and is losing weight. It's just a phase, her mother says.

Should these problems be shrugged off? What are some of the reasons these parents might have reacted the way they did?

If you are keeping a journal, summarize your responses to the above situations and identify what may be some of your own blind spots in regards to your children.

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