Do you feel as though you're constantly in power struggles because your child refuses to follow the rules? If so, you’re not alone! Many parents feel powerless in the face of defiant behavior. To a defiant child, not being controlled by others is of paramount importance. The parents of these kids are in a very difficult position. Family life is chaotic and the more you try to control your child, the worse the defiance gets. In the articles below, you'll find information on planning what you can do to avoid further escalation if you find yourself getting drawn into a power struggle.
What can you do when your defiant child just absolutely refuses to get up and go to school? For many parents of defiant children, this is an every-day event. Parents who have not experienced this kind of defiance may immediately respond, “I’d make my kid go!” But without using physical means, how would you do... Read more »
"It started out with my daughter yelling 'NO' whenever she didn't get her way when she was a toddler. Then when she got into elementary school, she started throwing things and slamming doors any time she didn't get what she wanted. I thought it was just a phase. Over time, it got to a point... Read more »
Have things become so difficult with your teen that you’re considering sending him to a boot camp? You’re not alone. Many people first find Empowering Parents and The Total Transformation® Program when they are searching the web or information on behavioral boot camps for teens. It’s not unusual to reach the point where you consider... Read more »
“I feel alone,” a mom of an out-of-control teen said to me recently. “I don’t go out much anymore, and to be honest, my family isn’t really invited to things because of my son’s behavior.” If you have an acting-out child or teen, you probably feel isolated. You’ve gotten tired of hearing... Read more »
This article deals with military schools, boarding schools, reform schools, boot camps, wilderness camps and other troubled teen programs intended as an intervention for troubled youths and their families. These programs differ from in-patient substance abuse programs or mental health facilities where children and teens who may be a risk to themselves or others get... Read more »
Passive-aggressive resistance is when kids learn to develop power over you by resisting you. It's the opposite of aggression: instead of threatening or yelling at you, a passive-aggressive child simply doesn't answer you. He ignores you. The behavior looks like this: Your teen just walks into the house, goes upstairs, and doesn't say anything. When you... Read more »
You: “Please put your things away.” Your child: “I’m busy. I’ll do it later.” You: “You need to do your homework.” Your child: “It’s stupid. I’m not doing it!” You: “You’re not allowed to go to that party. You’re grounded.” Your child: “NO! I’m not grounded! I’m going!” Does it... Read more »
If you’re the parent of a defiant child, you’ve probably wondered what makes him so angry at life—and angry at you. With the school year approaching, are you gearing up for another difficult year with your child, just hoping that he’ll make it through—and that you’ll be able to manage without falling apart? Realize that... Read more »
