Handling Power Struggles
October 14, 2007 – 1:12 amParenting is one of the most rewarding things anyone can do. However, along with the joys come many struggles as well. Usually, by the time your little sweetie turns two years old, you will begin to notice a battle of the minds. Power struggles become more and more evident as they try to establish who they are, and just how far out their boundaries are. This is just one inevitable fact of parenting.
It is likely that this will be exhausting to you sometimes. At times, you will see them as being bluntly rebellious, and angry. Here we’ll talk about some of the things that you can do to minimize these struggles. By doing so you can create a rewarding growth period, and be able to get a better understanding of their perspective.
The first thing that you should understand in parenting your little one through these times is that they are adjusting. Life is grabbing them by the hand and they are learning their place in the world. Try not to see their behavior as bad or disrespectful, and understand that this is a very normal part of growing up.
Not only are they learning about the things around them, learning to talk better and potty train, but they are starting to realize they can have control on people on things. Your little tyke is learning to make decisions, and exert their authority.
An important part of parenting is learning the ability to see things in a different light. Try to understand what they are going through. Be happy and proud that your little one is starting to discover their individuality.
Don’t try to overpower them. Instead, give them choices that will lead to the same end result that you are trying for. If going for a walk, and your little one insists on going the other direction, find something interesting to point out. Make it something that is somewhat in the direction you want to go and lead them that way. Sure, it is a little detour, but they will feel they have chosen to go out of the way to look at it. However, you have indirectly guided them back on track.
Try to find ways that allow them to feel more powerful in some situations, while maintaining overall control. This will help build their self esteem and their sense of individuality.
They simply want to feel that their feelings count, and they have some control. Often a little one who feels totally powerless and controlled will seek out other ways to make themselves feel better. This is in a way, revenge. They can seek control through hurting others or themselves, or anger.
As a toddler this is evident in tantrums, talking back, and throwing things. However, in older children it could lead to worse acts such as drug use.
Keep control of the situations that arise, but always try to make your little feel like they are important and that their opinions matter. Let them grow into their individualism, but safely.
Tags: child care, child gift, power struggle kid
