Helping children to understand why they have to do things they may not want to!

As a parents/carers, often ,our agenda conflicts with those of our children or those we care for. Trying to explain why a child has to stop watching a programme and get ready for school to avoid being late can become a conflict that leaves everyone feeling unhappy, confused or angry.

A book I can recommend is: Why do I have to? It is written by Laurie Leventhal-Belfer who is a practicing Clinical Psychologist. Though this book states that it is written for children with Asperger's Syndrome, I feel it would be helpful for anyone who faces challenges with a child or children over many of the social tasks we all have to do in the process of living. Beautiful simple stories that explain things clearly and help to start conversations together to find what works for everyone together.

I suggest reading together at a calm time as it is hard to communicate when we are upset or angry.