The Power of Monkeys (Or: How to Avoid Power Struggles by Enlisting Your Child's Imagination)

I absolutely agree with the need for limits, and there are definitely cases (lots of them!) where a parent should just say "no". But was that really one of those times? I could have engaged Jeremy in a power struggle, broken his resistance, and forced him into the car - but what would that have achieved, other than an unhappy child and an even more exasperated parent? By putting myself in his shoes, and tailoring my reaction to his needs (as well as my own!), I was able to use the power of empathy diffuse the situation while leaving myself and my kids with a positive emotional experience.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6221430

feeds update website click new