Medicine Unclogs Dad’s Constipation with Kids

By Janai Lowenstein, M.S.
(c) 2007

Some troubled child clients had great difficulty communicating with their dad. Of course, each of their troubles stemmed primarily from the struggle in the paternal relationship. Dad hadn’t solved his own ill issues and passed them onto the kids. A blinding concrete wall stood between parent and children. He wanted me to “fix” them.

Total resolve of the children’s issues was impossible without healing changes in the family system. That meant the father figure was in for some group session work with the children. Opposed but present, it appeared to be a formidable task to open lines of communication.

I knew exactly what medicine this dad and his kids needed. Balloons. I designed some games for them to play together in my living room session. Soon they were laughing and playing together. Hearts, minds and a door opened and we pursued a path with skill building based on fun times together. Success. Fun medicine unclogged their constipation, gave them common ground and good feelings together to BUILD a new relationship.