Today, we'll meet Jimmy. He's a 29-year-old single-dad, school custodian, Jim Rat, and fan

of the TV show Modern Family. Growing up in foster care, Jimmy got beaten up if he opened

up. As an adult, he wonders how much to share feelings with his 9-year-old daughter. During

this episode, we'll talk about the beneficial uses of humor and creativity and how apparent

in child with different temperaments can communicate with curiosity and mutual respect.

After our conversation, I'll talk about a universal truth gleaned from Charlie Brown and introduce

a couple of words that explain why we always have room for dessert. Now let's meet Jimmy.

First, a disclaimer. What you are about to listen to is not a professional counseling

session. Each episode is a one-time conversation, and the advice I offer does not constitute psychological

treatment or services substitute for professional diagnosis, intervention, or behavioral healthcare.

In order to protect their privacy, our guests have been given pseudonyms and some personal

details have been changed. If you have concerns about your child's well-being or your own,

seek out guidance from a medical or mental health professional. Good places to start, your

child's pediatrician, the counseling staff at your child's school, and the American Psychological

Association's Comprehensive Guide to Finding Resources in your State. And now, onto the fun.

In the meantime, we got this. We got this. We got this. Hello, Jimmy. Here's what I know. You have a

nine-year-old daughter, Janay. She's in the fourth grade. Can you tell me a little bit about your

current parenting situation, your relationship with her and where you would like to see it travel?

Okay. So I am a single father. I co-parent with mom, and I would like to see my relationship with

Janay be more open. I just want her to be able to come to me for any reason. And I don't want her

to be afraid of tell me things. When there's an issue, for example, I don't want her to be afraid to

come and tell me. Do you think she is hesitant to come to you censoring, not sharing as much as she

...