Thanks to some wonderful and very wise feedback on my latest post, I am seeing how DP acts like a lawyer, this explains why he questions everything and insists on arguing his "case" regardless the consequences. Now I know how to counteract rather than react (?).
If I understand the advice correctly, DP exhibits "gifted child" personality traits. Now pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place. It also means it is more important than ever for me not to argue, to stand firm, to be consistent with discipline, and to dial back on always explaining my every move. In other words, like it or not, do it because I said so. He will always be on the look out for the weakest link in every counterpoint, just like an attorney. But he is still just a child in spite of his wanting to act like a grown up.
Come to think of it, I remember when a few days after he came to live with me, he got upset over something I'd asked him to do and questioned me. I explained my decision and he countered with an argument that implied he and I were equals! Whoa, buddy! And that's when I sat Master DP down and gave him the ground rules of this household, which included yes ma'am, no ma'am, and addressing my adult friends as Miss Jo Susan or Mister James.
As always, Okey doke, it's You and me, Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment