Learn to Deal with a Rebellious Child
At a certain age, some parents have to deal with the difficult situation of dealing with a rebellious child. Many factors come into play for this to happen, and in most cases parents are overwhelmed by the circumstances. What we have for you on this occasion can help you relieve the tension that may exist between you and your child, so consider it a tool to improve your relationship.
Why has my child become rebellious?
Adolescence is a difficult stage in anyone’s life. It is a phase in which physical and emotional changes can turn a loving child into an apathetic and rebellious teenager. Below you can see some of the reasons why teenagers tend to be somewhat problematic:
He is discovering his own identity:
During adolescence, young people move away from their main attachment figure and begin to discover new relationships with people of their age. It is normal that during this process, they seek acceptance from their group of friends and may feel embarrassed about their relationship with their parents. This does not mean that they do not love them, they are just trying to open themselves up to new horizons and new relationships.
Development of critical thinking:
It is during adolescence that people begin to develop their critical eye, being able to perceive injustices, and also experiencing the need to make their rejection of them known.
Impulsiveness:
Naturally, at this stage of change, the teenager is more likely to act on impulse. This means that their decisions are not always the best ones, and knowing that they are wrong can cause frustration, which also produces anger.
Differences between parents and children:
Most conflicts arising from adolescence stem from the differences between teenagers and their parents. Mostly when children begin to question the rules imposed at home.
Social pressure:
Teenagers want to fit into the group of friends they have chosen, and to achieve this they try to surprise them with their actions, even if these are not the most appropriate.
Difficult parenting:
If childhood was marked by difficult upbringing and problems within the family, it is more likely that the child will be somewhat rebellious in his or her teenage years.
However, even though it may seem impossible to resolve, rebelliousness can diminish as the years go by and adulthood arrives. Until then, it would be good to know how to deal with a rebellious child, and that is exactly what you will learn now.
How to deal with a rebellious child?
Now that you know what factors influence rebellion during adolescence, you need to know how you can deal with the situation and emerge victorious without harming your relationship with your child. The following tips can help you achieve this:
Don’t make comparisons
If you want to avoid destroying your child’s self-esteem, avoid any kind of comparison. You are not helping your relationship with your child if you are constantly comparing him or her to other people’s children. Remember, in addition to being a bad strategy, you are causing deep emotional damage, which can result in even more rebellion. ( Also Read: Impact of Technology on Children )
Understand that this is normal.
The situation may seem overwhelming, but we all go through it at some point. What your child is going through is completely normal, and once you understand it, you will also be able to understand why they are acting this way and how to deal with it.
Don’t project yourself onto it
You and your child are not the same person, you do not have the same ideals or the same aspirations. Constantly pressuring your child to do the things you want can lead to resentment and your child may do the opposite of what you want.
Don’t make fun of their emotions
Adolescence is a time of constant change, both physically and psychologically, and this can result in sudden emotional changes. Don’t make fun of your child if he or she says he or she feels sad, or if he or she feels anxious. Support him or her and let him or her know that you understand how he or she feels.
Understand that your child has already grown up
Sometimes it is painful to realize that your child is no longer the happy child who used to run around the house, however, it is a process that you must face with patience. Your child is becoming a new person and needs all your support, do not treat him as if he were a child, assume that he has already grown up.
It’s a matter of time
Dealing with a rebellious child can be difficult, but keep in mind that this situation will not last forever. As your child begins to assume his individuality, the rebelliousness typical of adolescence will dissipate and you will be able to live with him again in a healthier way.