Dad was helping the kids get ready for summer camp. He squirted some sunscreen in his hand and called for 7 year old Max to come get some on. Max stood where he was and refused to come. Dad made his request a second time and Max just stared at him with the "look" (of refusal). Dad was well aware of that look on his son's face. He envisioned the coming scene of holding down his squirming screaming son while attempting to spread the lotion. Dad knew a no-win power struggle was about to happen. He stared at the sunscreen in his hand, and stared at his son across the room. Dad stared back and forth between the sunscreen and his son for a good 5 minutes! He wasn't sure what to do, but he wasn't going to fight and he wasn't going to give in. Finally Max said that he didn't like that sunscreen, he liked the other one in the closet. Dad got the other sunscreen and Max willingly let Dad put it on. Dad realized in those minutes of silence how important it was to allow his son time to think and figure out how to communicate his needs. Too often he is rushed and in his frustration "melts down". Way to go Dad!!!
Max Miller, RCB Grad
