Got Angry Kids?
Posted by Susan Epstein on November 1st, 2008 at 09:40pm
Angry kids. We’ve all witnessed the meltdown. Whether it is with a two year old not being able to express themselves or the 15 year old not getting their way; being in the middle of an angry kid is no picnic.
What’s a parent to do? How do we help our children express themselves, feel heard and accept the word “no”.
These are some of the biggest challenges that parents bring to me.
You aren’t going to get anywhere without RESPECT.
So you have to establish the hierarchy at home. In other words, you the parent get the final say; you are in charge…no “ifs, ands or buts”.
It is not okay if your child/teen:
- Talks back
- Argues
- Challenges
- Roll their eyes
- Walks away from you
- Hits
- Kicks
- Throws something
- Spits
- Ignores you
- Swears at you
- Calls you names
These behaviors will intensify and become worse as your child gets older. So if you have a little one, start now…
Name it:
“Please do not speak to me that way,
it is disrespectful.”
- Keep repeating this until the child stops.
- Do not let the child see you upset or hurt by their behavior.
If you have an older child start now. It is not too late…you can turn this around
almost immediately.
Big question from parents to me. Yes, Susan it works but how do I keep it up when I am tired, frazzled and exhausted?
Yes, that is the challenge. So here are some ways to make it stick:
=> Put post-its around the house with reminders to you: “I am a calm parent”
=> Print out this email and read it every morning and every evening for 30 days.
=> Try this out today…all day…and send me an email and let me know how this
worked for you!
And if you live nearby…CT, RI, NY
Please come to my next live semiar on Sunday, November 9, 2009 at Mitchell College in
New London, CT. http://tinyurl.com/4tfk2v
Best wishes for a peaceful home,
Susan
Tags: angry kids, childrens behavior, disrespectful kids, parenting advice, parenting help, tantrums
Under Children+ Teens/Tweens
1 Comment for Got Angry Kids?
1. Becky Boofer | January 18th, 2011 at 11:55 am
My 10 year old son has anger issues.
As a child he was very loving and happy.
His dad was in the navy and expect Tim to obey the first time.
When Tim started first grade he had a very bad experience with his teacher and the school. He was in the rest room and the fire alarm sounded and that scared him. After that he didnot want to go to school.
He was tested for ADHD and put on meds. After several tries with different meds he is now on concerta.
Even with this he gets very angry if someone wins and he loses.
If he puts something down and someones else gets it, he gets mad and hits them.
His dad and I were divorced in June of 2010. He does not like his dad because he was very hard on him when he was smaller.
I have trouble with him in the mornings getting him to take his meds. He will not listen to me and he fights with his younger brother every morning. I have a hard time getting him out of bed.
He really like to play games on the computer and x-box. He will spend hours there if I don’t make him stop. He gets very angry with me at that.
He has all the symptoms mentioned above. I am at my wits end.
I need help.
Thank you for your time.
Becky
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