Minimizing Power Struggles
Minimizing Power Struggles
Sometimes my blog is not a reflection of things have happened during the day it’s simply parent education. That’s where we are today.
No matter how compliant a child, there will be times when he does not want to put on his socks or when she refuses to pick up toys. As young children develop they begin to understand that they can make their own decisions. And occasionally they make a power-play at an inconvenient time. I’m sure we can all remember atleast one of those times !
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While a power-play can be frustrating for the adult that is trying to get the child to do something, it is a healthy part of a children’s social and emotional development. These incidents help children develop a stronger sense of self and the capability to set their own limits.
We as adults need to react appropriately. Im many instances, trying to force the child to do what he has said he will not do escalates the situation into a full-blown power struggle. (Have you ever been in Walmart and you told your child no toys when you went in but somehow you find yourself in the aisle with a screaming child demanding a new toy?)
Try offering assistance instead. For example, you might say, you can put on your socks by yourself or I can help you . I can help you put away your toys- would you like that?
Or offer choices! OK, you don’t want to wear the red socks today. Would you rather wear blue ones or green ones ? I mean – do you really care what color as long as there are socks? Which would be easier ? Putting your blocks in the basket or putting the cars back in their case?
Power plays are simply part of growing up. When handled by adults calmly and Appropriately , they offer opportunities for children to develop self-esteem and self control.