Help…..I feel like my kid has to CONTROL everything!

First, just know that it is perfectly normal. A child’s brain is hard-wired to like the “power” of control. This does not mean they will become a narcissist. It just means they are developing, and looking for some boundaries, choices, and ownership.

Give them the opportunity to have the power to make choices in positive ways like choosing their clothes, shoes, making a dinner menu, picking out foods to pack for lunches, what to play and if possible, when they complete their chores. Set timeframes and boundaries then let them go. You will see that suddenly the power struggles are less and less because you have given them the power to take ownership of their own choices.

If they are not given healthy choices, they may struggle with trying to control things in a negative way.