Chaos in the morning: Why children turn the bathroom into a battlefield

Chaos in the morning: Why children turn the bathroom into a battlefield

Who doesn't know that? At seven in the morning, the family is almost at the starting blocks, and suddenly there is a traffic jam in the bathroom. This is what happened to an author who describes how one of his children blocked the bathroom while he wanted to brush his teeth. The time pressure increases because they have to leave the house in just 15 minutes. A scenario that will be familiar to many parents. But what the child means with the term “blocks the bathroom” is not entirely clear; in any case, the author has difficulty assessing this formulation as accurate. Freiepresse reports that ....

Every day brings new challenges. And while the author remains anonymous, the question arises: How do we communicate in stressful situations? A topic that is often discussed today is the Thun communication model, which was developed by psychologist Friedemann Schulz von Thun. This model – also known as the “four-sided model” or “message square” – helps parents and children avoid misunderstandings and strengthen relationships, especially in those morning jams. Kita.de explains that....

The four sides of a message

The communication model divides a message into four areas: the factual level, the self-disclosure, the relationship level and the appeal level. This is not just about the words we choose, but also the message we send through our expressions. Does the child perceive the word “blocked” as an accusation or as a description? And what emotions might be behind it?

One thing is clear: morning rituals can quickly become a challenge. The communication model offers various ideas to loosen up discussions in everyday life. From role-playing games to communication diaries for children to visual aids - there are many options for improving the conversation climate and preventing misunderstandings. Ultimately, the focus should be on the feeling of appreciation so that children can develop their communication skills.

Reach your goal with communication

Dealing with stress and time pressure requires skill. When parents actively listen and communicate clearly during the hustle and bustle of the morning, it can not only strengthen relationships with children, but also help make the day more positive. Sometimes it's just important to ask, "How are you feeling right now?" and to understand the child's perspective. In this way, conflicts can be defused before they even arise. You can find out more about this at Kita.de.

In a household with children, it is often a balancing act between time management and emotional support. Maybe the next challenge in the bathroom is the perfect moment to try out Thun's communication model in your own home - that's what matters!