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It’s a scene that we’ve all observed (or experienced) at least once: a parent, in a hurry to leave the park, interrupts their child’s play. The latter then becomes angry, frustrated at being interrupted in his activity. How can we avoid this moment of crisis? Here are three tips, delivered by a parenting expert on Youtube, Papa positive.
Interrupting a child during an activity they enjoy is likely to trigger a tantrum on their part. So how can we avoid these tensions? Papa positive, who regularly posts advice for parents on social networks, gives us his tips.
Do not pull the child by the arm to force him to stop playing
“When someone interrupts you in an activity you enjoy, how do you react? What do you feel ?” asks Papa Positive first of all. This first question is not devoid of meaning. It invites parents to project themselves into their child’s place and not to do to them what we would not accept that we does to us, as adults.
Therefore, pulling a child by the arm to force him to stop playing is never a good option. “The child will feel stress and surprise, which will trigger anger because he wants to continue his activity” explains the specialist. “This triggers negative emotions and a power struggle between the parent and the child..
Be interested in what he does and approach him gently
Rather than forcing a child to follow you, the positive parenting expert invites parents to approach them gently. “Instead, you should approach him by asking him questions about what he is doing.“. This approach allows you to show your interest in the activity in question, the child will therefore be more naturally open to dialogue. “Then, for example, we can say to him: ‘As soon as you put on this piece, let’s go’” advises the expert, emphasizing that this way, the child will be able to switch from one activity to another, without frustration.
Offer him an hourglass or a time timer
Ideally, Papa Positive even recommends warning the child in advance. “We can provide him with an hourglass or a time timer (a sort of counting clock) so that he can see how time is passing. He can therefore organize himself according to this and stop the activity once the time has passed.. Advice full of common sense, which reminds us that proceeding gently with a child makes him much more cooperative.