TA

Parent stoppers are emergency fixes to move us back into the adult and prevent the parent internal dialogue. They are first aid exercises to rescue the battered child.

Break the body set – physically relax
Be in the here and now – look around and say what you see out loud (present awareness = adult)
Exaggerate the problem – how could it have been worse?
Physical exertion – tired? Take a walk, feel the body working
Have a haven
Have a sound screen – a music haven
Go off on tangents – look around, what are you reminded of?
Talk with someone
Consider others – they may have coped with worse
Make faces at yourself in the mirror
Take a nap
Pray

…then get the adult into gear to effect some change, parent-stoppers are only temporary solutions. Change in behaviour will lead to change in feelings.

Parent-stoppers