128 The Explosive ChildIn the next meeting with the family therapist, the
father needed a little reassurance. “I’m afraid we’re
teaching her that she never has to listen to us, and I
don’t think that bodes well for the future.”
“What, she never does what you tell her to now?”
the therapist asked.
“No, she actually does what we ask quite often,” he
replied. “I’m worried that she’ll think that all she has
to do is start to throw a fit to get what she wants.”
“You’ve been using Plan B for a few months now. Is
she exploding less or more?” the therapist asked.
“A lot less.” The father smiled.
“Is she meeting your expectations more or less?”
the therapist asked.
“More,” the father replied.
“Are you yelling a lot less?”
“Yes.”
“How are you and Helen getting along lately?” the
therapist asked.
“It’s a lot better. You know, Helen was always a very
affectionate kid. But we were battling so much that, up
until a few weeks ago, when I’d get home from work,
she’d barely even acknowledge my presence. For the
past two weeks, when I get home from work, she jumps
up from whatever she’s doing and gives me a big hug.”
“I think we’re doing OK,” the therapist said.
“But what about the real world?” the father asked.