To help parents and caregivers learn how to take the gentle path. By doing so, you will be able to avoid power struggles and the guilt and regret that often follows.
Power struggles—we’ve all been in them, we’ve started them, and we’ve been sucked into them; then something so simple becomes a tornado, and it’s hard to even remember how we got there.
If you find yourself being pulled into a power struggle with your child, take a deep breath and start a robotic delivery of your expectations:
You will not talk to me that way.
or
It’s okay if you don’t finish dinner, but the kitchen is closed till 7 tomorrow morning. Your choice.” (And stick with it by repeating this sentence until your kid stops fighting with you.)
Remember, don’t let the child see you upset and out of control. Stay calm and take the gentle path.
In session with parents/caregivers, go through the worksheet on page 8, “Understanding Power Struggles,” to identify what triggers are causing battles at home. Take this one step further to problem-solve each of the areas.
Let’s look at your current situation. Answer the following questions about power struggles you’ve been a part of.
1. What power struggles do you have?
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2. What time of day do these power struggles happen?
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3. Who is involved?
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4. Are the power struggles around things you want your child to do or around things you want your child to stop doing?
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5. How important is it that one of you wins?
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6. How do you feel at the end of the struggle?
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