I need some guidance to respond to the following ...

Some of the tactics that I use to influence others are humor, praise, and comfort. A good example of this is my current situation taking care of my mom who has terminal Parkinson's disease. She is in a great deal of pain, her emotions fluctuate rapidly, and she is forgetful, and not always coherent. I find myself using my ability to be empathetic and try to comfort her when she is struggling. I am noticing that my ability to praise her after she takes her medication is helping her feel like she is contributing to her own care. I think that my sense of humor is the most positive and uplifting thing for her. When she is in pain, I tell her funny stories about my kids or something I saw on TV and for a brief period, it takes her mind off of what she is going through. There are certain times that I am finding it difficult, when she says certain things to me that are hurtful to me, things that she normally would not say. I do the best to use agency or "the ability to control our behaviors and actions with others" (Wahl, Morris. 2018. p. 174). When I know she is not thinking clearly, I have to remind myself to not react and stay calm and supportive. 

 

Reference: 

Wahl, S. T., & Morris, E. (2018). Persuasion in Your Life (3rd ed.). Routledge.

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Your response is a beautiful testament to your strength and compassion in caring for your mom Here are some ways you can build on it Emphasize the pos... View the full answer