The rodeo can teach us a lot about being a good parent or a good person. When I went to a rodeo in Mesquite, Texas, many years ago, I learned the very important life lesson of a “do-over” or a “re-ride”. The judges call for a “do-over” when the bull falls down, or the saddle falls off, or the bull just stands there, looking around (the oppositional defiant bull). They both get a second chance to do their best.
When Greg is just itching for a fight and won’t let it go, call for a do-over or a re-ride. Everyone can “go to their corners” and start again. No one loses and no one wins. He gets a second chance to “be better” at working it out.
So, if Greg stomps off and doesn’t come back, at least the argument was stopped and he had the chance to see just “how” an escalating conflict can be handled in a healthy and non-competitive way.
When Greg is just itching for a fight and won’t let it go, call for a do-over or a re-ride. Everyone can “go to their corners” and start again. No one loses and no one wins. He gets a second chance to “be better” at working it out.
So, if Greg stomps off and doesn’t come back, at least the argument was stopped and he had the chance to see just “how” an escalating conflict can be handled in a healthy and non-competitive way.
And, when you're really at a loss and just want to throw 'em down and "wrap 'em up", consider checking in on these strategies.
OK, that's enough for now. You've got a limited amount of power in your family. Use the power you have wisely.
Go ahead and give this a try and see how it works at your rodeo. Yee-haw!
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
- You're All Talk. Your Tuned Out Kids
- Ten Ways to Destroy a Child
- How to Run the Family Business
- Being Held Hostage by Your Kids
OK, that's enough for now. You've got a limited amount of power in your family. Use the power you have wisely.
Go ahead and give this a try and see how it works at your rodeo. Yee-haw!
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
