Why Your Child Always Says ‘No? - Dealing with Power Struggles.

This morning, my 5-year-old refused to get dressed. “I don’t want to wear these clothes!” It was a standoff, and I felt the frustration bubbling up. Sound familiar?

Adlerian Principle: Children often resist because they feel powerless. Saying “no” is their way of asserting control in a world where they have very little. Our role is to guide them toward cooperation without escalating the struggle.

Practical Tips to Manage Power Struggles:

1. Offer limited choices: Give your child two options instead of dictating. For example, “Would you like the red shirt or the blue one?”

2. Stay calm: Take a deep breath and speak in a steady voice. Reacting with anger only intensifies the struggle.

3. Acknowledge feelings: “I see you don’t like these clothes. It’s frustrating, isn’t it?”

Ending with Hope: Power struggles are challenging, but by giving your child some control within boundaries, you’ll see fewer standoffs and more cooperation.