I have some vivid memories of a certain child in this family at 3/4/5. Confrontation just never worked (still does not) and ‘winning’ the argument was always way more important to child than any consequence we might dream up. We have learned (slowly…) that the best thing to do (for us) is back off and wait. That wasn’t always possible when child was little but is much easier now. Oh, and being positive as much as possible – even when behaviour seems hideously provocative and negative.

Sounds like a lovely way to spend New Year. Better than the Monopoly game and traditional argument that we managed…