I have an unsupervised toddler running around in my brain, yelling things like, “No one can tell me what to do,” and “I’m going to do whatever I feel like.” This happens especially when it comes to food choices, but it happens at other times too. I felt like I needed to respond to the toddler, and the conversation went something like this…
CB (child bully) – I want a cupcake. I can have it and nobody can tell me I can’t have it. I’m going to do whatever I darn well feel like.
Me – Wow, you really want that cupcake, don’t you?
CB – Yes, and I want it now!
Me – I can tell that you want that cupcake really badly.
CB – Yes. Now! Don’t tell me that I can’t have it!
Me – You don’t want me to tell you what to do?
CB – I hate it. I hate being told what to do!
Me – Wow, that must be rough.
CB – Don’t patronize me.
Me – Hmmm…I’m not sure how to respond to that…I would like to help.
CB – Yea, you can help me by giving me what I want, the cupcake.
Me – Is that what you really want?
At this point I was interrupted by my real life toddler. Any thoughts on helping me come to terms with the CB?
Thank you for all your work.