Impulsive child is frustrated, frustrated with the overwhelming demands of the demanding parent which he just can’t keep up with. He’s tired.
Don’t tell him “You need to stop behaving like this because of the consequences.” The consequences are what he wants. He wants to show you that he really does not care about the rules any more.
Instead, allow Healthy Adult to step in and ask “What do you need?” You will find that he’s valid in being fed up. He’s damn right in being frustrated. Who wants to spend their every day pressured? What he needs is a hug and some hope that the demanding parent will leave him alone. Then some time to play, before he returns to some orderly responsibilities again.
Seriously, healthy adult. Can’t you please make him leave me alone? Can’t you just take over, tell me what I have to do, find something that works instead of this constant pressure?
