A common dynamic that is often frustrating to parents and potentially erodes the parent/child relationship is when a child balks and defies us. It can be as subtle as ignoring our requests or as blatant as telling us "You're not the boss of me!"

When we ask them to clean up, get ready for school, go to bed, come to the table, be kind to their sibling, hurry up...we may be met with a "No!" or they may in fact do the opposite. Developmental psychologist, Dr. Gordon Neufeld describes this oppositional behaviour as counterwill.

Although the reaction is quite normal and even healthy in certain circumstances, its manifestations and impact can be highly disruptive, making life difficult for parents and teachers.

We will discuss the meaning of this deep-rooted instinct and the dynamics that control its existence and expression. We will provide strategies to help adults reduce the effects of oppositional behaviour and deepen attachment and cooperation with children and adolescents.
This workshop is suitable for all parents and any professionals working with children and youth.

In this workshop we focus on:

- the many faces of this oppositional dynamic of counterwill

- how to differentiate between counterwill that is healthy and counterwill that is a sign of something amiss

- a three-pronged approach to dealing with counterwill

- why pervasive and chronic defiance is a sign of attachment problems

- why chronic counterwill is a sign of psychological immaturity

- how to prevent and defuse oppositionality in children and teens

- how to safeguard one’s relationship against the fallout from counterwill

- how to avoid a battle

- how to help children grow out of counterwill

This webinar is suitable for parents of children from toddlerhood to young adulthood.