S4E5 - Why Is My Child Always Fighting for Control?

Play Therapy Parenting: Real Parenting Questions Answered by a Child Therapist · Jul 1, 2026 · 13m · transcript

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose five-year-old daughter seems to be caught in constant power struggles despite receiving choices throughout the day. We explore why some children continue to demand control even when parents are using child-centered strategies, and I explain the important difference between simply giving children choices and giving them meaningful choices that meet the emotional need underneath the behavior. We also discuss why anxiety often fuels a child's need for control and how aggressive behaviors can actually be a mask for much deeper feelings.

I also…