How to Deal With Difficult Kids
Every parent knows that kids come with their own personality and set of challenges.
Some kids are simply more difficult for a particular person or parent to handle than others.
This is not because of their own failings, or the failings of the child, it is just how it is.
However, that does not mean you have to deal with it.
The following are some tips for how to deal with difficult kids: 1.
Be consistent.
One of the biggest keys to dealing with difficult kids is to simply always be consistent.
If you make a threat, follow through.
Make sure they are well aware of what behaviors you will put up with, and which you won't, and what the consequences are if their behaviors fall outside that range.
Always follow through with those consequences, whether you are at the grocery store, or at home.
2.
Set boundaries and rules.
All children need boundaries and rules, but the child that is difficult to deal with needs structure more than most.
So, choose to discuss with them the boundaries and rules.
Have them help you create the guidelines for proper behavior.
If they do not follow those rules, make sure they are aware of what the consequences will be.
You can even have them help you set the consequences.
No matter what, have a structure for them to live within.
It is important that they know what is allowed, and what is not.
3.
Give the child choices.
Difficult children become more difficult when they feel forced, or backed into a corner.
So, whenever you are interacting with a difficult child, give them a choice, or at least the illusion of a choice.
For example, you can't say, "You can eat your spinach or go to bed.
" That is not a good option.
What you can say is, "Which would you like? Spinach? Or Broccoli?" Giving them options, and letting them make their own decisions, within the parameters you set, will help them to feel more independent and exercise their will less.
It is always helpful to give a child the chance to make their own decisions, as they will respond more favorably when you do.
4.
Give yourself a timeout.
If you find yourself getting too frustrated, or too overwhelmed by the difficult child, it is a good idea to take a break.
Give yourself a five-minute time out to cool down, and gather yourself before facing the child again.
Often, a difficult child compounds our personal frustrations, and the things we are dealing with, and as a result, we react more strongly than we would otherwise.
5.
Eliminate things that trigger poor behavior.
If you notice that any time they stay up too late they are especially difficult the next day, do not allow them to stay up late.
If you notice that sweets, soda, or treats make them extra hyper, or overly sensitive, then eliminate that from their diet.
Children can be difficult, but show patience, consistence, and love and it will work itself out.
Some kids are simply more difficult for a particular person or parent to handle than others.
This is not because of their own failings, or the failings of the child, it is just how it is.
However, that does not mean you have to deal with it.
The following are some tips for how to deal with difficult kids: 1.
Be consistent.
One of the biggest keys to dealing with difficult kids is to simply always be consistent.
If you make a threat, follow through.
Make sure they are well aware of what behaviors you will put up with, and which you won't, and what the consequences are if their behaviors fall outside that range.
Always follow through with those consequences, whether you are at the grocery store, or at home.
2.
Set boundaries and rules.
All children need boundaries and rules, but the child that is difficult to deal with needs structure more than most.
So, choose to discuss with them the boundaries and rules.
Have them help you create the guidelines for proper behavior.
If they do not follow those rules, make sure they are aware of what the consequences will be.
You can even have them help you set the consequences.
No matter what, have a structure for them to live within.
It is important that they know what is allowed, and what is not.
3.
Give the child choices.
Difficult children become more difficult when they feel forced, or backed into a corner.
So, whenever you are interacting with a difficult child, give them a choice, or at least the illusion of a choice.
For example, you can't say, "You can eat your spinach or go to bed.
" That is not a good option.
What you can say is, "Which would you like? Spinach? Or Broccoli?" Giving them options, and letting them make their own decisions, within the parameters you set, will help them to feel more independent and exercise their will less.
It is always helpful to give a child the chance to make their own decisions, as they will respond more favorably when you do.
4.
Give yourself a timeout.
If you find yourself getting too frustrated, or too overwhelmed by the difficult child, it is a good idea to take a break.
Give yourself a five-minute time out to cool down, and gather yourself before facing the child again.
Often, a difficult child compounds our personal frustrations, and the things we are dealing with, and as a result, we react more strongly than we would otherwise.
5.
Eliminate things that trigger poor behavior.
If you notice that any time they stay up too late they are especially difficult the next day, do not allow them to stay up late.
If you notice that sweets, soda, or treats make them extra hyper, or overly sensitive, then eliminate that from their diet.
Children can be difficult, but show patience, consistence, and love and it will work itself out.
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