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Fostering Cooperation Instead of Power Struggles
Introduction:
This week, we’re focusing on shifting away from the “winning and losing” mentality in parenting. Instead of power struggles, we’ll explore ways to foster cooperation, empathy, and understanding to meet both you and your child’s needs.
Task 1: Reflecting on Your Parenting Dynamics
1. Think of a recent moment when you and your child were in a “battle of wills.” What did you want, and what did your child want in that moment?
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2. How could you have responded in a way that acknowledged both your needs and your child’s needs?
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​3. What feelings do you think were driving your child’s behavior? How did you feel in response?
Task 2: Shifting Your Perspective
1. Reflect on the idea that you and your child are on the same team. How does thinking this way change your approach to disagreements or difficult moments with your child?
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2. Consider the “power struggle” mindset. How might consistently viewing parenting interactions as battles affect your relationship with your child in the long term?
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3. What could you do differently next time to shift away from a power struggle and focus on finding a solution that works for everyone in the moment?
Task 3: Learning from Your Child’s Perspective
1. Try to step into your child’s shoes during a moment of frustration or defiance. What might they be thinking or feeling, and how can you validate their emotions while still guiding them toward a more cooperative behavior?
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2. How can you use moments like these to teach empathy and cooperation rather than dominance or control?
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Final Reflection
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1. How has reframing parenting from a “winning and losing” mindset to a team-based approach affected the way you view challenging moments with your child?
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2. What steps will you take to maintain a cooperative, present-focused approach to parenting?
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Progress Tracker
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Use this section to evaluate your progress in shifting away from power struggles and fostering a cooperative relationship with your child.
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Quantitative Tracking
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1. How often did you avoid engaging in a “battle of wills” with your child this week?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely, 5 = Frequently):
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( ) 5
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2. How successful were you in acknowledging both your needs and your child’s needs in moments of disagreement?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Rarely successful, 5 = Very successful):
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( ) 4
( ) 5
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3. How confident do you feel in guiding your child away from power struggles and toward cooperation?
On a scale of 1-5 (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident):
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( ) 5
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Qualitative Tracking
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1. What was the most significant insight you gained from shifting away from a “winning and losing” mentality with your child?
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2. How did your child’s behavior change when you focused on cooperation instead of control?
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​3. How did this shift affect your overall relationship with your child?