Disobedient Children

Chronic Disobedience

Quite often a child will test a parent to see how far they can go with their demands, and to discover how much they can get away with. By setting firm boundaries and guidelines, this type of disobedience will greatly reduce in frequency.

When a child develops a pattern of disobedience, it is necessary to assess the family situation, and check out the source of all this rebellion. In many cases, the child has difficulty dealing with anger, and shows little respect for authority.

It’s important to assess how we react to a child when there is defiance and disobedience. Are we too lax and easy going, or do we go to the other extreme and show extreme harshness? It is imperative that we set firm boundaries and hold our child accountable, while coming from unconditional love.

Avoid the Power Struggles

When confronted by disobedient children the last thing to do is have your pride and stubbornness get in the way, and feel the need to be right, and assert your authority just because you are the “adult”. Kids love it when we fall into this frame of mind, and get into a power match with them.

Regardless of what’s going on you set the parameters and hold firm no matter what the reaction and behavior. This type of consistency will teach the child that you will not give in, and eventually the child will acquiesce.

The stronger the pattern of disobedience, the longer it will take to turn around, and the more conflict with which you will have to deal. But by showing loving concern as the parent who is in charge, you will eventually see a reduction in the disobedient behavior. Click here to return to the Transforming Child Behavior Home page.

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