08/12/2021
Disarm the power-struggle Thursday!
As the summer (and past 500+ days) wears on and the heat keeps coming, it's so easy to find ourselves more irritable and "snippy" with our kids and partners. Tensions are high and it feels like there is no space left for a calm, planned approach, but rather we are reacting to everything. We fall into the thinking trap of "Ugh. They can do this. They just won't" which only adds to our frustration and reactivity.
Dr. Greene's Collaborative Problem Solving Approach offers us a helpful reframe that can move us to a place of patience, understanding and compassion. Whether or not it's true that your kid undoubtedly can get themselves dressed without being nagged, get their chores done without negotiation or whatever else has got your family feeling stuck today - something is going on for them in this moment that is making it hard.
It could be the worry of what the new school year will look like, exhaustion from the heat, lack of a consistent routine (which is just a reality of summer), a need to feel taken care of and wanting that connection that comes when they are helped by an adult, lagging social and emotional regulation skills... the list is endless.
Shifting this thinking can move you from a place of frustration and ongoing loops of power-struggles between you and your child to a place of hope and understanding - where you feel empowered to support your child in becoming more independent and to reach their full potential.
If you want to talk more about disarming power-struggles in your home, give me a call or checkout our website to book a free 15 minute consult.
