When children don t get what they want, they may resort to creating an argument. Come to think of it, a lot of adults will resort to arguing when they don t get what they want. In an argument we aren t usually looking for new information in order to appreciate another point of view. We are looking for flaws in the other person s reasoning. Whenever you argue with a child, there is a winner and a loser.
Resentment is a common result when children lose an argument.
Children with a lot of resentment become oppositional and defiant even in situations when they know they will lose. It is best to avoid arguments entirely or as much as possible. Discussions don t have a winner or a loser. Negotiating With An Upset Child . Very little learning takes place when children are emotionally distressed or upset.