If your child deliberately ignores you, pretends not to hear your requests, and refuses to greet you or others, read on to see how you can deal with their behavior without losing your cool. Kids purposely ignore you because it gives them a sense of power and control. It makes them feel big, and pretending not... Read more »
If you are a parent who negotiates constantly with your child, you probably feel like you’re living with a little lawyer who “objects” to every rule and request and wears you down with endless questions and challenges. With some kids, everything becomes a negotiation, and it starts from the time they... Read more »
Swearing is everywhere in our culture. But as parents, you get to decide the culture of your home, and I recommend to all parents to establish a culture of respect and no swearing. Establish this culture for the sake of a peaceful and respectful home. But also realize that children who know how to act... Read more »
When our children refuse to do what we ask them, it can feel like we’re caught in a tug-of-war, with both sides pulling on the end of the rope as hard as they can, and neither side making much headway. Parents often say things like “Don’t test me” when they think their child is resisting their... Read more »
At Empowering Parents, we often hear from parents who feel frustrated at their teenager's bad attitude and irresponsible behavior. Whether it's doing well in school or keeping a job, some kids just don't seem to care. And many teens have what James Lehman, creator of The Total Transformation® child behavior program, calls a "dreamer" mentality.... Read more »
Parent: “OK, time to turn off the video games and go clean your room.” Child: “That’s not fair! I don’t want to clean my room! That’s boring and stupid!” Parent: “Why do you always do this to me? You’re making me crazy!!!” When parents say things like, “Why are you doing this to me? You’re making me crazy,”... Read more »
Many parents make the mistake of assuming that since their child’s behavior is connected to their feelings, fixing the feelings will fix the behavior. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. It’s critical for parents to understand that processing your child’s feelings while they are happening is not constructive. Children become overwhelmed with emotions, and... Read more »
I often joke that kids with ADHD would make great politicians or lawyers, because they never give up a fight! Trying to cope with a child who argues at the drop of a hat can test the patience of any sane person. Not surprisingly, over the years many parents have asked me what they can... Read more »
If you find yourself doing everything for your child, you may be engaging in what I refer to as martyr parenting. Without even realizing it, well-meaning parents can turn into martyrs for their kids. If this is you, you must learn to step back. You must learn to stop being the martyr so that your... Read more »
Kids grow up watching you for a living, and let’s face it, they learn pretty quickly how to push your buttons. It might be back talk, or constant complaining or eye-rolling, but whatever the behavior, nearly every parent will occasionally lose their temper with their kids. Many parents control their emotions most of the time. However,... Read more »