“Shut up” is a rude and offensive comment. Kids learn that fact very early through various channels, from movies, music, school, and social media. So whether it’s you or your child saying “shut up,” just know that the comment is insulting, and I recommend that you do not tolerate insulting behavior in your home, especially if you have a child with behavior problems.
What To Do When Your Child Tells You To “Shut Up”
If your child tells you to shut up, the best thing to do is not give it power. And by arguing, talking, and fighting back, you’re giving it power. Instead, the next time it happens, try saying:
“Don’t talk to me that way, I don’t like it.”
Then turn around and leave the room. When things have calmed down, tell your child what the consequence is for their rude behavior.
And by the way, there should be regular consequences in the house for things like cursing, name-calling, and rude behavior. They should be functional consequences, like “No cell phone for 24 hours.” That way, kids know what will happen if they break the rules, and you don’t have to repeat it every time.
So you don’t have to fight with them; instead, use the consequences you think would be most effective with your child, whether it’s no video games for 24 hours or taking away their phone for a day.
“Why You Should Never Say “Shut Up” to Your Child
Do you ever find yourself saying, “Just shut up and do it!” to your child? Parents tell kids to shut up for a variety of reasons. But ultimately, it’s to exert their control over the conversation.
Sometimes they want backtalk to stop, sometimes they want complaining to stop, and sometimes they’re just tired of listening to their child. No matter what the context, saying “Shut up” is rarely helpful and never appropriate. It begins a power struggle which the child may not be willing to lose.
Remember, there are many things to fight about with children—this shouldn’t be one of them.
Related Content:
Tired of Your Child’s Backtalk? Here’s How to Stop It
About James Lehman, MSW
James Lehman, who dedicated his life to behaviorally troubled youth, created The Total Transformation®, The Complete Guide to Consequences™, Getting Through To Your Child™, and Two Parents One Plan™, from a place of professional and personal experience. Having had severe behavioral problems himself as a child, he was inspired to focus on behavioral management professionally. Together with his wife, Janet Lehman, he developed an approach to managing children and teens that challenges them to solve their own problems without hiding behind disrespectful, obnoxious or abusive behavior. Empowering Parents now brings this insightful and impactful program directly to homes around the globe.
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Stressed Grandma
I've had custody of my granddaughter since she was 4. She's now 14. She's a pretty good kid. Gets up and gets ready for school with no problem. Strives to do her best. She just got a job. All of this is great. She has an attitude that makes meMore madder than anything in my world. She can be downright nasty and I try so hard to be patient and shrug it off, but I can't because she should never disrespect anyone that way. I detect a tad bit of narcissism, and I'm praying that it's just her age and not genetic. Her father suffers from narcissism terribly. She's not around him so it's not learned behavior. I never know what to expect from day to day but I'm going to nip it in the bud. I don't want to fight anymore. I want life to be peaceful. I'm going to stop giving so much and what she can do for herself, she will do for herself. No more bending over backwards. Don't get me wrong, I love her. I just want her to realize how blessed she is and be grateful. Gratitude, not attitude. -
NatalieProo
My 10 yr old son loves to scream at me and call me an idiot then he goes to see the counselor and acts like an angel
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