Winning is Fun

Happy Thursday! You made it!

Lots of parents try to convince kids to cooperate. We usually start by trying to talk sense into them. Then we move into offering enticements that feel like bribes. And, when we have to, we resort to threats. 

By the time we’ve laid down our final offer, we have firmly entered “Power Struggle” territory. This doesn’t feel great for anyone, and it effectively shows our children how to set up the perfect zero-sum game– if I win, you lose. If you win, I lose. 

Yuck. 

Here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be this way. We can work with our kids to create win-win situations. In fact, it’s our job. 

💥Real World Strategy: 
My favorite way to create a win-win situation is to get curious about WHY our children aren’t cooperating. They often have a pretty good reason, and once I know that, I can start figuring out how to help them get their needs met while I get mine met, too. 

🔋Resource of the Week: 
Want to hold your child (or partner’s) hand, but it’s too cold? Check out Smittens, the perfect way to hold hands and stay warm. (I’m not affiliated in any way; I just think it’s brilliant and hysterical, and I love supporting small businesses run by real humans.)

🌊Use Your Membership to Dive Deeper
For more detailed research, examples, and scripts about getting your family on board the cooperation train, check out Parenting in the Real World: Cooperate (Level 2, Course 7).

Want to talk it through? Join us on our next coaching call. 

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✨Need More Support? 
I leave time in my schedule every week for current clients who need some extra TLC. Grab a time on my calendar. (If you don’t see something that works, email me at cari@carinewmancoaching.com, and I’ll do my best to work some calendar magic.) Parenting doesn’t have to be this hard, and you don’t have to do it alone.

You’ve got this.
🩵Cari

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