The “B” In The Healthy Parent’s A-B-Cs
Battles
Parenting is a battlefield, with battles ranging from trivial to vital. The chapter emphasizes the importance of discernment in choosing which battles to engage in. While safety-related battles are non-negotiable, others, like bedtime struggles, can be approached with flexibility.
Safety
Safety emerges as a paramount battleground, where firmness is crucial. Buckling up in car seats, wearing helmets, and avoiding hazardous materials are non-negotiable for safeguarding children's well-being.
Strategic Approaches
Amidst these essential battles, the chapter suggests playful and strategic approaches for less crucial conflicts. From silliness to distractions, parents can defuse tensions and maintain harmony while gently guiding their children. The key lies in understanding when to stand firm and when to offer flexibility, striking a balance between authority and empathy in the intricate dance of parenting.
Benjamin D. Garber, PhD is a New Hampshire licensed psychologist, a former Guardian ad litem, and a Parenting Coordinator. He consults and testifies in courts around the world in matters concerned with the dynamics of the conflicted family system. He is an internationally renowned speaker and an award-winning freelance journalist, writing in the areas of child and family development for popular press publications appearing around the world and in juried professional publications in both law and psychology. Dr. Garber welcomes you to learn more about his work on behalf of children at www.FamilyLawConsulting.org.