QUESTION:
My youngest son has been particularly prickly recently. Even when I try to express my suggestions in a positive way, he interprets it as criticism. When he bridled at some comments I made about interrupting people, he really became upset.
Any suggestions?
RESPONSE:
Being positive is the first principle to practice. Now use the second, the empowerment of choice and the third, reflection. Ask him a reflective question where the options are stated. For example, ask him if he prefers to go on as he is doing, having people irritated with him, or if he prefers finding out how he can improve his social skills.
Then discuss some procedures and impulse control strategies that will help him.
