The Silent Treatment

The silent treatment is used by both adults and children. I always thought the primary goal of the person using it was to force the other person to apologize, recant whatever they may have said, reverse themselves on anything mean that they may have said, or to be just plain mean. Children learn from adults and sometimes use it against us. I have always hated the silent treatment as I felt it was better to discuss the situation or problem and find a resolution. By not talking the problem can continue on for anther day or be dropped only to resurface and be worse than the first time. In “Pecos Meets Bad Bart,” Bad Bart intimidates and bullies Bob and some of the towns people. He refuses to talk about his demand for chocolate ice cream but rather pounds his fist on the counter continuing his demand in a mean voice. When the towns people realize something is wrong at the sweet shop, they rush to Bob’s aid. However, Bad Bart is so scary that they don’t know how to solve the problem and are also bullied by Bart. Finally, when Sheriff Gus returns from checking the towns people and sees there is something going on at the sweet shop, he rushes in. Once he sees Bart he immediately analyzes the situation and solves the problem. He speaks calmly and before too long everything is turned around. In all of my books, I use problem solving without yelling, blaming, or name calling. The characters figure out a way to fix whatever is wrong. In the book, “The Flying Cat” J.C. tries to solve a problem without the aid of his parents, Fred and Mary Band or Sheriff Gus. In the end, Gus, Mary, Fred and some of the towns people find the solution. So the next time someone uses the silent treatment to resolve an issue with you and even if its a child, read one of the Good Gus Series books. You will be giving a good example to the child and yourself.