When you catch your child in a lie, it's natural to feel betrayed, hurt, angry, and frustrated. But here's the truth: lying is a normal child behavior problem. It needs to be addressed, but for most kids, it's not a character flaw, and it's not an issue of morality. Instead, lying is the immature and ineffective... Read more »
When children and teens use violence to get what they want—whether it’s punching a parent, a sibling, or a hole in the wall—it usually involves a situation where they’re being told “no” to something they want to do. Or, similarly, they’re being told they have to do something they don’t want to do. In both cases,... Read more »
We all know that kids can act in many disrespectful and rude ways to parents: they can slam doors, roll their eyes, and tell you they hate you, to name a few. It’s natural to get very worried and frustrated and wonder if these types of behaviors constitute out-and-out abuse, or just “rudeness and mild... Read more »
Does your child always insist that they're right and everyone else is wrong? Some kids have a bad habit of asserting their opinions by drowning out everyone else in the room—regardless of whether or not they know what they're talking about. Understandably, this overbearing behavior can be annoying and frustrating for both parents and family... Read more »
“My fourteen year old daughter was arrested for shoplifting make-up this week,” said Marie, a working mother of two girls. “Is this just normal teen behavior, or is it something more serious? She’s grounded for a month and I’ve taken away her iPhone and computer privileges, but to tell the truth, I’m still in shock.... Read more »
Screaming fights. Destructive behavior. Volatile moods. Do your child's anger and rage make you feel exhausted and out of control? In an Empowering Parents poll, Angie S. made the following comment: "I walk on eggshells around my 15-year-old son. It's embarrassing to admit, but I'm afraid of his explosive temper." In that same poll, more than... Read more »
I’ve talked with a lot of parents who feel out of control in the face of their child’s anger and aggression. In fact, I can’t tell you how many moms and dads have said, “I feel like I’m failing at parenting." In my opinion, it’s not so important why you as a parent aren’t effective... Read more »
Some degree of backtalk is normal for adolescents and teens—it's how they learn to assert themselves and become independent. But too often, they don't assert themselves appropriately, and their backtalk becomes disrespectful and obnoxious. At this point, parents need to take action for their own sanity and for the sake of their kids, who need... Read more »
Does your teen seem completely unmotivated? For parents of teens, the refrains of, "Whatever," and "I don't care," can become all too familiar. In this interview, teenage behavior expert Josh Shipp explains where your child's motivation really lies—and how you can tap into it. Q. What should parents do when their child seems to be unmotivated? I... Read more »
Is your child’s answer to everything, “I don’t care” or “It doesn’t matter?” Parents often think that if they can find a new way to encourage their child, he or she will magically start achieving more. I don't think it's like that at all. I think the problem is that these kids are motivated to... Read more »
