Jason always comes back with an “excuse” for not doing something. It’s his way of deflecting responsibility, reducing the consequences or having any response when you ask him, “Why did you do that?”
This whole process of excuse making starts when you ask “Why” instead of asking “What”. The goal here is to learn more about Jason’s decision-making process so you can get him to take responsibility.
When Jason describes the information he used to make his decision and the pros and cons he considered, you’ll see how he problem-solves. If he’s a teenager, you’re likely to see self-serving thinking which is designed to protect him from threats and is typical of the adolescent brain.
Don’t take Jason’s excuse-making personally. It’s a chance to teach him how to “reason” instead of making excuses. Ah, the joys of being a parent.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question!
This whole process of excuse making starts when you ask “Why” instead of asking “What”. The goal here is to learn more about Jason’s decision-making process so you can get him to take responsibility.
When Jason describes the information he used to make his decision and the pros and cons he considered, you’ll see how he problem-solves. If he’s a teenager, you’re likely to see self-serving thinking which is designed to protect him from threats and is typical of the adolescent brain.
Don’t take Jason’s excuse-making personally. It’s a chance to teach him how to “reason” instead of making excuses. Ah, the joys of being a parent.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and submit a question!
