Arguing

 

Originally published 8/14/07 by the Love and Logic® Institute.

How sad it is that so many young people in our world have come to believe that constant manipulation is the best way to get what you want!

Love and Logic offers a very powerful way of breaking kids of this damaging habit. The first step involves reminding ourselves that it’s ok if our kids get upset about a limit we have set. Sometimes we have to allow our kids to be upset in the short term so that they can become responsible and happy in the long term.

The second step requires going “brain dead.” The less we think about what an arguing child is saying, the more energy we’ll have at the end of the day.

The third step involves calmly repeating the very same “one-liner,” regardless of what the child says. Examples include:

What did I say?
I love you too much to argue.
That’s a good argument, but your last one was better.
I argue at 6 a.m. on Saturdays.
I know.

To learn more about parenting kids who love to argue, read our book, Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave You Speechless.

Thanks for reading.
Dr. Charles Fay

©2009 Jim Fay, Charles Fay, Ph.d.& Love and Logic® Institute. All copyright infringement laws apply. Permission granted for photocopy reproduction and forwarding. Please do not alter or modify contents. For more information, call the Love and Logic® Institute, Inc. at (800) 338-4065 or www.loveandlogic.com