Helping Another with Self Care without Playing Bad Cop

Your loved one is engaging in non-optimum behavior and you want to help him to take care of himself. Should you police his activities?

The nagging is all in the recipient's perception. Anyone who feels nagged will shut down.

Dr. Russ L'HommeDieu has a countdown of tips to help:

10. Be a patient guide. The problem is known. Let your loved one face it when ready. Look for an opportunity for change talk.
9. Lead by example. The impact you have on another's life creates an atmosphere that you'd like to see your beloved live.
8. Practice empathy. Understand his emotions and feelings.
7. Don't be perfect. You don't have to live like a saint. Are you willing to fail and learn from it? Imperfection with willingness to learn is golden.
6. Listen before you talk.
5. Ask permission. Find out if it's okay to bring up a topic. Don't urge him into talking when he doesn't want to talk.
4. Accept every effort made for positive change. Celebrate every little piece.
3. Don't sabotage. Don't celebrate weight loss with ice cream!
2. Raise your environment to help him succeed. Clear out the nonsense that tempts non-optimum behavior.
1. Intention is everything.

Dr. Russ shares how to help others with self care without playing bad cop.