By
Dr. Darlene Treese

“For the very true beginning of wisdom is discipline; and the core of discipline is love.”

-Solomon

One of the most common beliefs in our society is that it is necessary and desirable for
dads to use their authority to control, direct and train their children. Dads are sometimes
designated as the disciplinarian (“Wait til your Father gets home!”) or the source of all
decisions (“I know best. Someday you will thank me for this.”). Part of the problem is
that parents don’t understand the implications of authority, how it affects children as they
grow up, and what other choices are available.

To a young child there seems to be nothing that his parents cannot know or do. Because
Dad is seen as such an “authority” (a super-hero), his attempts to influence the kids carry
a great deal of weight. Because he can take care of their wants and needs, Dad has the
power to “reward” by satisfying those needs, or to withhold satisfying those needs
(“punish”). If you think that Dad’s power to reward and punish (or to promise reward
and threaten punishment) is an effective way to control kids, you are right in one sense
and very wrong in another.

No doubt about it: power works to train kids the same way animals are trained. Power
works to teach kids simple behaviors: not to touch breakable things on the coffee table or
to say “please”. But using power over kids only works in certain situations. The rewards
have to be attractive enough to be wanted by the child and the punishments have to be
strong enough for him to want to avoid it. The kid must stay dependent on Dad for the
power to be there. As a kid becomes less dependent and less helpless, Dad gradually will
run out of power. Soon a kid can acquire his own rewards (school, sports, friends,
achievements) and figure out ways to avoid punishment. When Dad’s power runs out, he
is left with little or no influence. How then can Dad teach complex behaviors: good
study habits, integrity, honesty, kindness, cooperation?

Children have been rebelling and defying adult authority for generations. Children, like
adults, fight furiously when their freedom is threatened. Most people don’t respond
favorably to those who have the power to dispense or withhold reward. They resent those
who try to control them and will sabotage their authority over them. You’ve probably
noticed this in your own life.

Frustration can also manifest in aggression, retaliation, striking back, or giving Dad the
“silent treatment”. Some children will learn how to lie to avoid punishment. In families
with more than one child, the kids will learn how to put the others at a disadvantage,
make them look bad, tattle, or shift the blame. When Dad is in a power position, the kid
may dominate, boss and bully other kids. When kids are over-indulged with praise and
rewards, they may develop strong needs to always look good or to win, and strong needs
to avoid looking bad or losing. Their needs for reinforcement are endless and tiring.

The alternative to the power struggle is a NO-LOSE method of resolving conflicts.
Husbands and wives, partners in business, labor unions and company management, and
countless legal arguments are resolved this way by making agreements that benefit both
parties. In a parent and child conflict, Dad would have the child participate with him to
search for solutions acceptable to both. Both of them may offer solutions. Together they
critically evaluate them and eventually make a decision on the final solution acceptable to
both and sign an agreement. No convincing the other is needed after the solution has
been selected, because both have already accepted it. No power is required to force
compliance, because neither is resisting the decision. This method is effective because
(1) the kid has participated in the process, (2) there is a greater chance for a high-quality
decision, (3) the child learns to develop thinking skills, (4) there is less hostility and more
love, (5) it requires less enforcement, (6) it eliminates the need for power, and (7) you get
down to solving the real problems.

Notice that there are no “cookie cutter” answers as found in some parenting books,
because different solutions will work for different families and situations. It’s not “let’s
do it my way this time and your way next time”. Once the problem has been addressed
and both parties know what behavior is expected, it needs never to be addressed again.
Dads who have used this method over a period of time report their kids have better grades
in school, better relationships with their peers, more openness in expressing feelings,
fewer temper tantrums, less hostility to authority figures, more responsibility and
independence, greater self-confidence and a happier outlook on life. And aren’t those the
very things that Dads want most for their kids!

Need to lighten up and let go of stress, tension, depression, fear and regrets?  Dr. Dar
Treese offers individual assistance to get and stay on track, overcome adversity or find
your passion. She has been in private practice in hypnosis, coaching, counseling and
consulting for over 30 years. Dr. Dar has been internationally acknowledged for her
positive action and solution-based techniques with individuals, groups and corporations.

“A person for the people,” Dr. Dar is always available to help you get a grip on life,
health and happiness to take that next step forward in creating the life you truly desire.
She now offers telephone and email sessions to accommodate your busy schedule and
allow you to do the sessions in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Office visits
are also available two weekends per month. These sessions fill very quickly so schedule
your time slot today.

Life is too short to be unhappy and the answers and clarity you seek may be only a phone
call or mouse click away.

Call Dr. Dar today at 407-278-1598 or email her at
[email protected] or visit her website – www.AskDrTreese.com .