Many times when parents ask for their kid’s cooperation they will hear:
- “Why do I have to do this?”
- “No!”
- “This is so stupid!”
- “I don’t like cleaning!”
- “Leave me alone!”
- “Why do you always bother me?”
Does this sound like defiant behavior?
Maybe you have even heard worse. Is your child a master at pushing your buttons? What can you as a parent do?
Most parents get mad, annoyed and frustrated because nobody wants to be spoken to in that way. Power struggles are started. Parents and children butt heads and the situation spirals out of control.
So, how do we respond?
We need to make sure that our kids know how to respect us.
Teaching kids about respectful behavior is one of our most important jobs.
Come and learn some simple strategies to help you teach your child to be respectful to you. We also discuss ways to help you keep it together when your child is defiant.
When Your Child Is Defiant: Simple Ways To Avoid Power Struggles
2 Responses
How about parents who insist on “respect” but never stop to think about why they aren’t getting it? Maybe they are really controlling and helicoptering their kids? Of course kids don’t respect that. They feel like property instead of part of the family.
Hello! Thanks so much for writing! You are right. However, it is best to use a bit of diplomacy when this happens. I would still try to be respectful as you can be.
Will they respond well to you, if you ask them to have a serious talk? Would it work to ask them, “I am feeling a little stifled, can we figure out a way where I can get a bit more freedom?” Let them know all the times that you acted responsibly, like your babysitting job, or your attendance at school or for your sports teams.
I hope this helps! Please write back and let me know!