Page 47 - SB-Little Prince

It is important to understand that a significant issue in substance abuse and other “adult problems” is a “sense of hopelessness.” Even as adults many of us do not understand that we control the precursor to our negative emotions and actions, our thinking.
It is not unusual for Little Princes to be bullies. These next few extra questions allow children to discuss the role the others play in maintaining this type of Demandingness. “Do you think that by giving in to the Prince that the boys encouraged or discouraged the Prince’s Demandingness?” You want them to understand that acquiescence to this type of irrationality only confirms its immediate effectiveness and limits their (Little Princes) ability to consider any long term negative consequences.
“What could the boys have done differently in this situation which might have been effective in preventing the loss of the kingdom?” The answers could range from, “Not giving him the arrows,” “Telling him to ask more nicely” and “Teaching him how to shoot .” “If the boys had (use some of their examples) is it possible that the Prince could get angry?... Why would he become angry?... Whose problem is that?”
Children need to recognize that doing the right, smart and rational thing may have negative consequences (the “prince” would become very angry). We are again emphasizing that his anger comes from what he is telling himself, “They can’t tell me anything, I’m the Prince .” Finally, it is important for children to recognize that these negative emotions and behaviors in others are the responsibility of that person (the Prince) and it is the PRINCE’S PROBLEM.
44