TRANSFORM POWER STRUGGLES INTO LEARNING MOMENTS WITH THESE TECHNIQUES
One of the common challenges parents face with their young children is power struggles. When you ask your child to do something, and they refuse, you could spend countless hours and endless energy trying to get them to comply. Sometimes, the more persistent you are, the more resistant they can become. However, several strategies exist to avoid these arguments with your strong-willed kids. Here are two methods you can adapt to fit some common parenting scenarios. ASK CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS. Sometimes, kids don’t understand the consequences of their actions — they lack the appropriate problem-solving skills to help them understand why you’re making certain requests. Instead of telling them to do something, ask questions that make
them think critically about the situation. If they leave their toys outside before a storm, ask what could happen to them and how they could prevent that. When your child understands that leaving toys out during a storm could damage them, they will realize that putting them away is a good idea. Remember, when children are forced to do something they don’t want to do, they will focus more on being angry at you rather than learning a lesson or new habit. Encouraging them to develop their own conclusions will help them better understand the impact of their decisions.
what they get to do. Sometimes children refuse to comply with requests because you’ve offered them no other option. If you want your child to clean their room, don’t demand that they do it. Ask what they want to start on first — make the bed, put away their toys, or hang up clothes. Providing alternatives and allowing them to make a choice will not only get the job done faster but will also increase their confidence in knowing you value their opinion. Navigating power struggles with children can be a challenging aspect of parenting. But implementing effective strategies can make a significant difference in maintaining harmony at home. So give these methods a try and watch as your relationship with your child grows.
OFFER CHOICES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE.
Giving your children choices helps them feel like they have some freedom over
Pet Custody in Washington State
Many people now view pets as family members, with some owners referring to their furry friends as their “kids.” Unfortunately, family law has not caught up with our shift in thinking about the animals that live with us. Unlike with human children, there is no such thing as joint custody for a pet. So, who gets to keep them after a divorce?
during the marriage is community property and subject to the same equitable distribution rules as a couch.
Whether or not a judge treats your pet the same as a sofa often comes down to their disposition and beliefs. An animal lover may take extra care and consideration in deciding who keeps the pet. In contrast, a person who genuinely views pets as property
Washington state still legally considers pets property. If one spouse purchased the pet before the marriage began, the law considers the animal separate property, and the pet will return to its original owner. A pet acquired
might make a more dispassionate ruling based on the animal’s legal registration and monetary value. Therefore, as with most divorce considerations, people with strong feelings about their pets should try to resolve the matter through mediation. A more collaborative agreement allows both parties more control over the outcome.
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