The bedtime negotiation
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Fictional case for peer practice.
The bedtime negotiation
A fictional parent and eight-year-old repeatedly negotiate bedtime until both become frustrated.
Client role brief
Play the parent. You sometimes give extra screen time to end the argument and sometimes threaten consequences you do not follow through on. You want a kinder, more predictable routine.
- Protects
- Gives in to end the argument, then threatens consequences out of frustration.
- Fears
- Being the bad guy, or getting parenting wrong.
- Underneath
- Exhaustion and love, and a wish for calmer evenings together.
For the person playing the client: guard the first two, and let what is underneath show only when the therapist makes room for it.
Therapist objectives
- Describe the sequence before and after bedtime resistance
- Identify one clear instruction and behavior to praise
- Rehearse a consistent routine with the parent
Reflect afterward
What did you notice? Which response helped exploration? What would you try differently?
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