- Very often children say something but the moment they say it they regret it. They get emotional and impulsive. When given another chance they may say what they truly feel and have a chance to reflect more. - Some good responses when children are saying things - - I'm going to pretend I did not hear that - I don't think that came out the way you meant it - That's not like you -- what is going on? ---- So we need to remember that teen-agers’ emotions are very powerful, and teen-agers can be very impulsive. Much of the time, when a teen-ager says something that is harsh or cruel, they regret it as soon as the words are out of their mouth. There’s enormous value in making that assumption, as the adult on the receiving end. - [Link](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/the-parent-of-a-teen-ager-is-an-emotional-garbage-collector)