“You can validate a child who is heated by saying, 'You tried to kick me because I said NO to dessert. I understand you're upset, and I won't let you hurt me.' Then listen more, say less, and offer no 'consequences' or feedback until they are calm (the Hand in Hand model calls this Staylistening). Once you gauge you're past the point of triggering those big emotions, you can offer feedback and education. For example, 'I know you know that hitting is not okay. As you grow and mature you'll learn how to stay in charge of yourself and not hit when you're upset.” I call this combo a Truth Bomb Pep Talk--information, a reminder, and encouragement all rolled into one."
If your child is simply refusing to do what you’re requesting, MacLaughlin urges parents to remember that kids are doing the best they can, and to assume that they aren’t cooperating because they need help, whether emotionally or physically. She says there could be something bothering them on an emotional level, in which case she recommends the Staylistening approach. Or it could be that using humor – making your request in a funny voice or with an accent – will get them on board. If that doesn’t work, and before you lose your cool, MacLaughlin suggests stopping what you’re doing and set a limit by calmly, kindly, physically guiding the child to the chore or task. She says parents are often surprised at how well this works.
Whenever my daughter’s marble jar filled up, she chose a treat. We would either hit the bagel shop or the used bookstore, but no matter what, it was just us. Her love languages are apparently carbs, books, and quality time. In light of what I learned from MacLaughlin, it’s clear the positive reinforcement was just the “training wheels” she needed to start rolling in the right direction. I’m convinced that it was the “reward” of spending rare one on one time together that took care of the rest.
Work puts food on the table and travel is often inevitable, so, in that spirit, I give you some of the upsides, if, like me, you need a little help spinning it.
The cognitive burdens my husband had been shouldering had been largely invisible to me, and the same had been true for him. Here's how to make a change.
It may feel like the most difficult morning of your life. But trust me, mama, your baby is in good hands and daycare drop-off won't always break your heart.
Pam Moore
Author