Page 44 - SB-Little Prince

Worksheet
In order to really overcome Demandingness, we must develop effective coping self-messages. Since the qualities that lead to Demandingness seem almost “hard wired,” this can take some time and effort.
Our usual strategy is to punish Demanding behavior when it becomes too obnoxious. But that may not work, only work for a short period of time or in only certain situations. For lasting change, our Little Prince must change his cognitive repertory and this is the time to begin.
“When the Prince shot poorly and everyone laughed at him, what “Good Thinking” could he have told himself?” You may have to encourage and give some examples but by now some children
may be able to respond, “This is my first time doing this, I can’t expect to be good at it.” “I probably do look silly but they are not laughing to be mean.” If the Prince had told himself this, how would he have felt? A good response would be, “A little embarrassed but feeling okay.”
Some children have an irrational belief, “I should never look (feel) foolish.” If that is a strongly held belief, they may get angry when they do look or feel foolish. Consequently, they may not be willing to attempt anything that may allow them to look or feel foolish. You will see certain behaviors that will indicate this type of Demandingness. It may be present in the child who is overly shy or won’t read out loud in class.
41