Posts Tagged "power"

“I hate you. You’re mean!”

“I hate you. You’re mean!”

Do you dread hearing, “I hate you. You’re mean!” from your normally sweet child? Here’s what’s behind it and a reply to turn things around. What’s Behind It Kids often say “I hate you. You’re mean!” to parents, grandparents, or other children in a boundary situation when they can’t do or have something they want. Particularly if that...

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Bedtime—Kicking to Stay Awake

Bedtime—Kicking to Stay Awake

Question: My son basically only hits /pinches/ kicks to avoid going to sleep. Any advice on how to facilitate this behavior without facilitating the procrastination? (For instance, if I redirect him to kick the bed instead of me, then he’ll kick the bed for literally half an hour or more if I let him, no matter how tired he is).—Mom (child age 2), Austin, TX Answer: Thank you for your...

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When your kid runs away from you—and it’s not funny

When your kid runs away from you—and it’s not funny

Guest post reprinted with permission by Tracy Cutchlow of zerotofive.net. Q: One morning this week, we were on a walk and my toddler took off running down the sidewalk.   I was wearing his 3-week-old brother in a baby carrier, which limited my ability to chase him.  I called several times for him (with increasing intensity) to stop and wait for mamma. (Also tried saying “Red:...

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Getting Back on the Same Team

Getting Back on the Same Team

You know those days with your children when nothing you do or say seems to work, when no validation of their wants is enough, and every tiny thing that comes up turns into a huge drama? I do, and I can assure you it feels so frustrating! There are days I feel like nothing is enough to fill the enormous need for power my kids have, especially my older daughter. There are few things that trigger...

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No Friends Allowed!

No Friends Allowed!

When you try to SAY WHAT YOU SEE, and “it doesn’t work,” that phrase tells you that you are trying to manage your child’s behavior instead of coaching them. Kids can tell the difference, and so can you by their resistance. Here’s my coaching for Ali from the UK on how to flip a no-way-out situation for her 5 YO into fun. Her little cousin was coming over...

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