Counseling Services

Helping Students

The Demanding, Passive Student

The demanding, passive student often seeks to control your time and unconsciously believes the amount of time received is a reflection of his/her worth. This student will never feel that the time and energy you give is enough.

Do:

• Let them, as much as possible, make their own decisions.
• Avoid letting the student usurp your resources or time, (e.g., "Excuse me, I need to attend to other things.").

Don't:

• Let them use you as their only source of support.
• Get trapped into giving advice, (e.g., "Why don't you, etc.?"). The demanding behavior often triggers our "parental" responses.