How to Respond When Your Child is Being Disrespectful

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How to handle a disrespectful child

One of the most difficult parts of raising a child is also almost inevitable; at some point in the growing-up process, your child will be disrespectful towards you.

While this is all a part of growing up, it is certainly frustrating and troubling.

This often requires explaining to your child why what they said was disrespectful, in fact, the Pew Research Group notes that around 75% of parents engage in this discipline technique.

But there are a number of ways to approach this problem.

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To further help you navigate this difficult aspect of parenting, here is a list of 6 steps that will help you know how to respond when your child is being disrespectful.

Don’t Take It Personally

It is absolutely crucial that you do not take your child’s disrespect personally.

While it certainly will hurt in the moment, remember that it is all a part of growing up; think back on the times you were disrespectful to your parents.

Surely it was just said in a brief moment of frustration that comes with childhood and adolescence.

You should not let it hurt your feelings too much, because that will end up clouding your discipline.

Give a Warning

However, you do not want to let it slide totally.

When your child is disrespectful, be sure to give a verbal warning.

This will let your child know that what they did was wrong, but they still have time to correct that behavior and avoid more serious consequences and punishment.

Provide one Negative Consequence

If that doesn’t work, you will have to provide a negative consequence.

For younger children, this could mean something as simple as a time out or taking away a favorite toy for a little while. For older children, it is a little more complex.

You could take away an electronic device such as a gaming console or phone if it is serious enough, or you could ground them for a few days.

Neither option will be easy, but it may be necessary to drive your point home.

Be Prepared

However, you should know that the older your child is, the more difficult it will be to discipline them, and you should be prepared to approach the situation differently.

After all, our children can often surprise us in how mature they can be.

So be prepared to encounter some resistance, but make sure you continue to discipline with compassion.

But know that it will not always be a walk in the park.

Avoid Power Struggles

In doing so, you will be able to avoid unpleasant power struggles.

You never want your child to feel as though they are fighting against you.

Instead, try to position yourself on your child’s side without letting your discipline slack.

Lead By Example

As in all parenting issues, it is important to lead by example.

If your child constantly sees you being disrespectful to others, are you really shocked when they eventually pick up that behavior themselves?

Make sure your child sees that you treat the people around you with respect; this will show them that this is the right thing to do, and before long they will be doing it too.

Parenting is never easy, but these steps should help you find a good strategy to use when your child is being disrespectful.

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