September, 2009
by Shannon K. Spellman, M.S.W.
Do you suffer from the "Maybe" syndrome? That's when you aren't ready to say yes but can't think of a good reason to say no yet you really feel no in your gut. So, in an attempt not to rock the boat that minute and engage in a power struggle you respond with "Maybe."
Teens often hear "Maybe" as a "Yes". It gives them some sort of hope that you are workable and on the fence. This can be a setup for a power struggle later on because they will insist you were going to say "Yes" and they haven't done anything wrong since that moment.
If you simply need to buy some time before commiting to an answer or engaging in the conversation, try "I don't know right now. I'll think about it and get back to you." If your teen persists, have a standard "If you keep it up right now it's a definite no and I won't need to think about it."
©2009. Hiding Star Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.
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