It’s time to get ready for bed, so it’s time to ask the child, with good words, to stop watching television. The answer? A clear “no”, he wants more time. There are very obedient children and others who are less so, but that does not mean that in both cases parents will find themselves in situations in which their children show a certain amount of rebellion. The key is how they should act to face these moments in the best possible way. It is completely natural for parents to feel frustrated by these refusals, but the way they react will be essential.
Adopting an aggressive attitude, yelling and clearly showing your anger is one of the worst possible reactions. Not only because of the obvious negative consequences it entails, but because it will not even be effective. And simply giving up and giving in to the child’s demands will not be a strategy to consider either. Therefore, the best way to manage this type of situation will be from an attitude of empathy.
By taking a deep breath and thinking carefully about the words to use, this is how parents can deal with these types of situations in which their children are defiant. The idea is to manage the situation positively and assertively. With empathy, but firmness. That is to say, on the one hand the imposed limit must be reinforced (it is time to stop watching television); and, on the other, validating the minor’s feelings. One of the ways to achieve this has to do with offering them alternative activities.
The present case is about an everyday situation in which a minor simply wants to continue enjoying the entertainment provided by television for a while longer. But what if it is an addiction? This obsession entails multiple negative aspects in children’s daily lives, so it is advisable to act as soon as possible to reverse this behavior. In Avance Psychologists propose a series of actions that parents must carry out.
