A–Z Glossary

Power imbalance

A conflict situation where repeated commands, arguments, or threats escalate when a child refuses an instruction, often reinforcing defiance.

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Helping children recognize controlling behavior in friendships

Helping children recognize controlling behavior in friendships

What controlling behavior in friendship looks like Controlling behavior in a friendship is more than being bossy. It is a repeated pattern in which one child uses pressure to shape what another child says, does, shares, or believes. Researchers describe coercive behavior as verbal or physical pressure used to gain compliance or status. In daily […]

Child ignores instructions and says no to everything

Child ignores instructions and says no to everything

Understanding refusal without blame A child who ignores instructions may look willfully disobedient, but behavior is rarely that simple. Refusal is a form of communication. It may mean “I want control,” “I do not understand,” “this transition is too hard,” “I am overwhelmed,” “I expect a fight,” or “this demand feels unsafe or unfair.” The […]