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When you're feeling disempowered by your toddler's refusal to get dressed, or anything else of the sort, remember this:
Playfulness is a powerful tool. More powerful than even threats or punishment or intimidation.
It guides, it influences AND it builds trust while doing it.
The calmer you stay, the less likely you are to trigger more resistance by passing on your frustrated energy.
And no, you can't do this all the time, nor will it work every single time, but it's well worth having it in your parenting approach tool belt.
Good luck out there people. Toddler will power is no joke.
This video offers guidance on how parents can help their kids learn about conflict resolution through setting boundaries and offering compassion towards both parties, emphasizing the importance of safety and boundaries, effective communication, and moving to repair in conflict situations.
In this video, you'll learn that a securely attached young child expresses their distress, seeks proximity to their caregiver, and calms quickly, and that this pattern of express-seek-soothe can be seen throughout our lifespan, with teens seeking friends, adults seeking romantic partners or close friends, but always involving the freedom to have an emotional need, be close, and receive comfort at every stage of life.
Learn about the concept of Restraint Collapse and how children rely on their attachment relationship to express their emotions in this insightful video, which provides tips on how to offer compassion and a safe space for your kids to release their emotional tensions after holding it together all day.