You Can’t Always Get What You Want
It is important to have strategies when dealing with difficult people. When someone has forceful aggressive energy you need to be able to combat them with your wit. If you can use the power of intelligence to manipulate the situation, you can end up getting what you want despite this person’s persistence in trying to overpower you.
Who is this advisory of mine you might ask? Who is this mighty character betwixt man and beast that doth cast this darkened challenge for me to battle. With the perseverance of an ox, the strength of a bear, and the merciless heart of a dragon.
My toddler obviously.
The Munch is nuts.
When a toddler wants something they will stop at nothing to get their point across. This might be manageable if their needs were reasonable, but when someone demands for you to put on their pajamas, then take them off, then put socks on, then put the pajamas back on, and then wants their Elmo shirt, things get a little kooky.
I was given some advice that I thought was really wise, so I am going to pretend that it is my advice that I thought of, that I am now giving to you.
It isn’t just for toddlers mind you, but for any instance when you are trying to take back the reigns of a runaway conversation and get your way.
When someone wants something, lets say a cookie, but you don’t want them to have this said cookie because it is yours and you just don’t feel like sharing…. Instead of saying “no cookie,” give them two options of other things they may have instead.
Like this.
Munch: “Munchee want’s Mama’s cookie.”
Me: “You can have a carrot or an apple.”
Munch: “Ummmm, Mama’s cookie.”
Me: “Carrot or apple?”
Munch: “Mama’s cookie.”
Me: “Carrot of apple?”
Munch: “MAMA’S COOKIE!”
Me: “Carrot or apple.”
Munch: “Ummmm Mama’s cookie.”
Me: “You can have a carrot or apple.”
Munch: “Apple.”
Me: “Right on.”
It may take a while, but if you give them options they feel in control even though you are the one who is really in control because it is your cookie and you deserve it dammit!
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