Peter The Planner

Does it seem like your child is being stubborn or ignoring you on purpose? Learn how to better understand and cope with his behavior.

Are there times when your child seems to purposely defy you? Do you receive frequent notes or phone calls from their school about their unacceptable behaviours?

 Have you, out of frustration, reprimanded harshly or blurted out unpleasant things that you later regret saying? These are why parents have known a few basic steps to dealing with your child’s frustration behavior

Behavior is a way of communicating with others. It can be aimed at getting something, such as your attention. You may have experienced this when you’re doing your job at home and your child insists to speak to you. Behavior may also for him escape doing something that is difficult or something that he dislikes. For example, your child would most probably choose playing computer games rather than doing house chores.

As a parent, you may think you understand what your child’s behavior is telling you. But even though you know your child pretty well, there will be times when the message isn’t clear. So here are a few pointers on how to deal with those frustrating behaviour.

Following Directions

If your child does not follow directions, it is most probably that he is being stubborn or ignoring you on purpose. However, actually his behavior may be to cover up a problem – remembering or understanding the directions you gave. Perhaps you are talking too complicatedly — giving him more than your child can handle verbally.

Next time, see if these strategies can help:

• Get his/her attention and eye contact before giving directions.
• Show him what you want him to do.
• Make a picture chart or list to serve as a reminder. Ask him to explain or show you what he/she is supposed to do before he/she starts.
• Reduce the amount of talking (nagging) you do to him.