Flight, Fight or Freeze?

The most common misconception established in the mental health field is that our natural reaction to a threat is anger. This is wrong. The natural neurophysiologic reaction to a perceived threat is fear. When the caveman saw the saber-toothed tiger in the tree he did not immediately go into fight or flight mode. First, he froze, then he determined to fight or flee. Our first natural reaction to a threat is to freeze first, this gives our brain an opportunity to determine the next step. This is very important to consider when it comes to defiant children. A defiant child is a scared child. Attempt to force the child into action and the child will quickly move from freeze to fight or flee. Choose Love.