How To Help Children And Youth That Are Uncooperative
Most Of The Time; Frequently
Being uncooperative can be a message about the child or youth feeling powerless, frightened, confused or angry. Being uncooperative can be an attempt to gain power and control, and it can be an attempt to avoid pain and fear. Without assistance, being uncooperative can become an ineffective habit that can last into adult life. When this happens, learning and living and having successful relationships and careers can be challenging or extremely difficult. Being uncooperative can be caused by a combination of factors including: family patterns; unpredictable environments; over or under stimulating environments; weak communication skills; physical and or emotional discomfort and pain from unresolved shocks, traumas, accidents, difficult births and abuses of all kinds; failures; low self-esteem, depression or other mental illnesses; vision/hearing difficulties; memory challenges; perception challenges; nutritional imbalances; exposure to environmental pollutants.
First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Nature • Pets • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games |
For Parents: • Get a medical evaluation as soon as you notice this challenge. Avoid blaming the child or youth or becoming emotionally reactive to the uncooperative behavior. • Remember that the behavior can be a communication that something is not right in the child or youth’s world. • Learn and practice Nonviolent Communication to open communication lines. • Make sure that the family learns how to relax and have a good time together. • Get support from other parents of children or youth having the same challenge. Seek out the assistance of professional guides and therapists you trust. |