Ep. #51: The Sponge Effect

When you pour water onto a sponge, eventually it hits a point of saturation.It doesn't matter how slowly you pour, every sponge has a point at which it can't take on any more water.And if you squeeze a saturated sponge, what happens?Water shoots out.Your child is like that sponge.Every conflict, every power struggle, every transition, every unexpressed emotion, and every additional layer of hunger or exhaustion is like an extra splash of water.Eventually, your child hits their limit.And then the emotions come.And yes, it's important to support them through their emotions. But when they've hit their saturation point, it makes a lot of sense to address what's pushing them to that point in the first place.Are they refusing to try new foods at dinner?Are they refusing to go to the bathroom independently?Are they refusing to pack their own lunch?None of these things are required, we just think they are.And so we insist, pouring more water into the sponge.These are just a few things that, if your child is having daily meltdowns, you can back off on and help them dry out a little bit.It's not forever.And if you take the pressure off, you no longer have to expend that energy either.It really is a win-win.***Are you on my email list? Claim any one of my free resources here and join the party!http://partneredpath.com/resources/http://partneredpath.com/resources/--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julia-mcgarey/support Get full access to The Blackbird Chronicles at juliamcgarey.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit partneredpathparenting.substack.com