In today's episode I talk about that dreaded scenario when you have your day planned out with work or other commitments and your child says (directly or indirectly) "I don't want to go to school today".

Your heart sinks. You might panic or try to persuade them that they do really want to go.

When we act from a place of panic or frustration, it usually leads to upset and conflict and rarely moves things forwards.

So today I talk to you about how best to proceed when you are triggered and your child is digging their heels in.

I talk about how to shift out of frustration and respond instead with empathy and curiosity.

Often that is all our children need.

I talk about the importance of acknowledging and validating our children's feelings (instead of gaslighting them or talking them out of their feelings).

And of course we need to look at the context: is the school or childcare setting meeting our children's needs and is there anything we can do to help support them.

As always, connection is the key to supporting our children with these tricky situations.

For more ideas to solve difficult mornings, check out the following podcast episodes:

#023 Overcoming Morning Meltdowns

I talk about how to inject connection into your mornings so everything runs more smoothly.

Episode 58 Stress-free mornings: How to get children dressed and ready for their day without the battles

I talk about some fun games to try when your child doesn’t want to get dressed.

If you want more, join my upcoming free Why Your Kids Won't Listen Masterclass which is happening on 6th February 2024 at 8pm UK time.

Click here to register.

If you are ready to put these ideas into practice in your own parenting, come and work with me over in the Peaceful Parent School.  Click here to find out more and book your place.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and consider leaving an iTunes review. It will help this conversation reach even more parents.

I would love to stay in touch! You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @PamParentCoach. I always love to hear from my listeners.