Listen to the client. (Foster) Children about 'difficult' parents: how to handle conflicts with them

This article discusses the results of a study on children’s perspective (called: inner logic) on disciplinary conflicts with their (foster) parents. Most children accept parental authority, but also defend their personal autonomy and loyalties to peers. Only own children (children who live by their own parents) spoke about fierce resistance to get their own way. Conversely, fierce resistance among foster children was motivated by inner con- flicts and confusion. Obedience among foster children often derived from fear of punishment or a feeling of impotence. The theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed