Page 103 - Choosing a Child Care Center

CHOOSING A CHILD CARE CENTER

For instance:
Child: “But Mom, I’ll be back from Joanie’s before
dinner. Why can’t I just go?”
Parent: “I know you really want to go. You and
Joanie always have so much fun together. But, I’m
sorry, that’s not going to happen tonight. Let’s call
Joanie’s mom later and see if we can work something
out for Friday night.”
Child: “But Mooooom!!”
Parent: “I love you!”
Redirect—the “But Moooom!!” could turn into
endless whining or a list of all the reasons why you
should relent and give in. This is a great time to
distract your child with, “How would you like to help
me make dinner?” You might even offer to join him in
an alternate activity.

3–After the Struggle for Power Has
Calmed Down
Reengage in positive ways—in the aftermath of a
power struggle “incident,” the first tendency when
someone has tried to pull you into a power struggle is
to either push back or withdraw. However, we only
reinforce negative power cycles when we continue to
sulk or withdraw and fail to reconnect. Showing an
increase in love, which is the most beneficial thing in
breaking down barriers and promoting a healthy
sharing of power, is often the most difficult thing to

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