Monday, November 18, 2019

THROW IT INTO REVERSE!!!


One thing learned over many years in business, education, learning and change: throwing out [or setting aside] your current way of thinking VERY often reveals whole new worlds of problem-solving possibilities.  Replacing your paradigm [the framework within which you interpret your world] can provide a totally new and very often much more effective solution to the problem at hand.

On these blog pages are MANY instances of parents expressing frustration with their teen’s behavior.  Question to those parents: Did you NOT EXPECT your teen might act that way? Really? 

It's reasonable to assume that a good many of those behaviors are consciously or unconsciously intended to arouse their parents’ anger, frustration or eyebrows, maliciously or innocently.

Why not surprise ‘em completely? Imagine replacing your USUAL response – they knew you were gonna say that – with a complete reversal?  Your teen will then have a very different challenge as to what to say or do next! 

This isn’t a WIN vs.  LOSE proposition, just a way to level the playing field. 

What do you commonly face?
“Please take the trash out -        NO REPLY or says “no.”
“Please get up so you get to school on time” -NO REPLY/"No.”
“Please empty the dishwasher”             - NO REPLY/ "No"
“Put the controller away, start studying” - NO REPLY/ "No"

How would you respond? _________________.

Check back here tomorrow for suggested answers…

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