The best thing a parent can do when their teenager gives them attitude is to not give them attitude back. Just remain calm. If you are going to win the battle you have to know how to defeat the attitude.
The first step in defeating a teenager’s bad attitude is to not let the teenager see that the attitude is affecting you. If you darling teenager sees that it bothers you he or she will most likely lay it on even thicker. If he or she sees that you are not affected by their bad attitude they will have no reason to continue to give it to you.
The REASON a teen gives their parent a bad attitude is generally because they want a reaction. When you give no reaction the attitude is defeated because it is not serving the teenagers purpose. The teenager quickly learns that their attitude will not get them what they want.
When you remain calm you also demonstrate a good example. In life people are going to give your teenager attitude. He or she will grow up to be an individual that remains calm when they do.
How you handle your teens attitude affects a lot.
If you ARE affected by your teens attitude and give in to their pushing or demands your teen will in turn give you attitude more often because you have taught them that it works by giving in. They will see that it bothers you and when something doesn’t go their way they will use it. Why? Because they see through your reactions that it works.
When the attitude does not work and does not get the teen what they want they give up on it. They look for another way to get what they want. This is a perfect opportunity for parents to teach their teenagers the proper way to get what they want in life. Teach your teenager to ask nicely, and offer compromise.
When a teen gives an attitude it’s either because they want something, or they do not want to do something.
My teenage son gave a little attitude the other night when he didn’t want to do his homework. Calmly I explained that even if he didn’t want to he still had to do his homework. Quickly, I offered compromise. I said “How about this. I know you don’t want to honey but it’s important. I can help you.” Immediately he got his homework back out. He did all but one problem. I helped him with the last one and we made hot cocoa. Homework was done, and the attitude vanished completely.
Now, on the other hand, if I would have given him an attitude back saying “I don’t care if you want to do it or not, just do it” there would have been more attitude. My response would have gotten a response and the homework would most likely not have gotten done because of the argument.
Do you see the difference? That is a perfect example of how a parents reaction to their teenagers attitude determines whether the teenager will continue to have an attitude or not. It also determines the end result of the situation. Happy parenting. Thanks for reading :)
