Everyday Requests Feel Like a Battle

Does your child:

• Refuse everyday requests?

• Argue, delay or negotiate?

• Become overwhelmed by routines?

• Avoid tasks that seem simple to others?

• Shut down, melt down or become distressed when demands are placed on them?

This practical toolkit helps you understand the anxiety that often sits underneath demand avoidance and provides realistic, supportive strategies that can be used straight away.

Inside you'll discover:

✓ What demand avoidance is (and what it isn't)

✓ Why anxiety and nervous system overwhelm drive avoidance

✓ Common signs and behaviours to look out for

✓ The Demand Avoidance Iceberg explained

✓ Why traditional behaviour approaches can sometimes increase distress

✓ Practical strategies to reduce pressure and build safety

✓ Declarative language examples and scripts

✓ Home and school support ideas

✓ Everyday examples you can adapt immediately

Designed to help you move from conflict to connection, this toolkit focuses on understanding behaviour through a compassionate lens while providing practical tools that support both children and adults.