What To Do When Your Kids Respond Poorly?

Perhaps one of the things that quickly get parents off the hook is when children respond in an aggressive or rude way when they make a comment or request. When your kids respond poorly, take the following steps:

Remember that the most important thing is not to respond with the same attitude to provocations that occur in an argument. You are an adult and should avoid the temptation to continue a meaningless fight and use negative words.

Tips to use when your kids respond poorly

1. Keep your composure. When such a situation happens, the least convenient thing is to react in a hostile way. The way you respond can weaken or strengthen the relationship with their children. So, you must be very careful when answering. If your reaction is too mild, your children may repeat this inappropriate behavior. On the other hand, if it’s too severe, they’ll feel they don’t have the space to express themselves.

2. Avoid yelling and rude words when you’re not calm. Take a deep breath and think carefully about what you are going to say. Stop talking until both parties are calmer and can talk sensibly.

3. Identify what the reasons for this type of situation are. Your children don’t always respond badly because they have a problem with you. Be concerned to find out if there is any external reason, whether at school or in the child’s social circle, that is affecting the child. If that’s the case, don’t respond with aggression. Go straight to the cause of the problem and seek help so it can be resolved.

4. Keep rules clear about behaviors that are not acceptable. When you establish your family rules with your children,  you need to make it clear, as explicitly as possible, what behavior is expected of children in relation to their parents and other family members. Having clear boundaries will help your kids think better before talking to you disrespectfully.

Remember that you must control the audiovisual content that children have access to. Many disrespectful behaviors result from repeating behaviors that children see on their favorite shows or Internet videos.

Pay attention to what your children see and hear both on television and in the real world, and also within the family environment, such as in the social and school environment.

5. Remind them that every action has consequences. Once you have determined what tones of voice or words are not acceptable between parents and children, remind them that if they go too far, there will be consequences they must assume. Take away privileges such as playtime, entertaining activities, and give additional housework or another method you have established.

Do not improvise when punishing inappropriate conduct because the problem could get worse. Remember that if you establish rules from the beginning, coexistence will be healthier for everyone.

6. Act the way you expect them to act. If your arguments with your partner end up with an exchange of insults, it is natural for your children to respond badly. Treat everyone in your family and social circle as you allow and accept your children to do.

It is also very important that you talk to your children respectfully so that they see that they must speak in the same tone that you use with them. Avoid sarcasm and harsh words that can negatively impact your young children or teenagers.

7. Recognize when they act appropriately. Pay special attention when your children are kind and show respect. Encourage actions that show respect for you or any other family member. Don’t let these situations go by to motivate friendly interactions under any circumstances.

8. Give enough attention. On many occasions the reason your children respond poorly is because they feel ignored. Spend at least an hour a day listening to it, participating in its activities, and being a part of what they are experiencing. Take a moment to disconnect from your cell phone and other work matters to share a few moments with your kids.