In any exchange with a parent or caregiver, both parties play a role in creating a dynamic and setting a tone. Rather than reacting to a parent’s or caregivers’s tone of voice or message, we can make a conscious choice about what kind of standard we want to set. We can be mindful of the fact that our very first words and responses can create a powerful first impression. We can build on and reinforce that initial impression throughout the exchange.
With the goals of sharing power and building an alliance, we can find and choose words and phrases to establish from the outset the dynamic we wish to create and maintain by expressing openness, support and transparency.