Intermediate, ages 2-18
Leave the situation to give yourself a break before you reach an emotional breaking point. Ask a friend to supervise the child, if necessary. A locked bathroom is a favorite retreat for some parents. This response is called Going to the Balcony.
Example:
✔ A 3-year-old spills a large can of wood stain on a new living room carpet. Mother makes an urgent call to a carpet cleaner who suggests she dump soap and paint thinner on the stain until he arrives. As she frantically works on the spreading puddle of gooey paint, she feels her anger mounting, approaching an explosive flash point. She immediately calls a neighbor friend for help. The neighbor arrives, and the mother leaves the house to go for a brief walk to cool off and calm down.
Next: Tool 43