| How do disrespectful kids become so mouthy? How | | | | Building Character: |
| do parents feel when a child insults them? Look inside | | | | Become rational -- Make a commitment to talk and act |
| to find out what you can do to change this kind of | | | | with reason. Slow down. Walk away. Count to 10. Ask |
| disrespect. | | | | yourself, "How do I want to act in this situation?" |
| Disrespect is like wearing muddy clothes. It's sticky, | | | | Picture yourself clearly. See yourself modeling the |
| nasty, and dirty. Like mud you don't feel good until you | | | | respect you want from Maggie. Promise not to sink to |
| clean up the tone and the words. | | | | Maggie's level. |
| Ask yourself, "Where did my child learn such | | | | Third Parenting Tip for Changing Disrespect and |
| disrespect?" If the answer is "me," please don't run | | | | Building Character: |
| away. Everyone understands how angry a parent can | | | | Practice the 21 Day Solution -- Before you fall asleep |
| get. Let's come up with ways to change your anger | | | | at night and before you get out of bed in the morning, |
| and model better behavior. But first a story -- | | | | see Maggie's angry face. Make sure your picture is |
| The Story of Disrespect: | | | | clear. Then feel and act respectful in spite of her |
| Picture this. You just told your Maggie she can't spend | | | | anger. Tell yourself, "I am a respectful parent." Melt the |
| the night at her friend's house. Maggie yells, "You never | | | | picture, the respectful feeling, and the words into one |
| let me do anything. I can't stand you!" Her tight red face | | | | powerful affirmation. See it. Sense it and say it all to |
| tells you she's ready to explode. | | | | yourself at one time. |
| If you're like most parents, your blood boils. You may | | | | Practice this method for 21 days morning and night. |
| find yourself shouting louder than Maggie, "You | | | | You'll be using your free will and reason. They are your |
| ungrateful little brat!" You try to stop your over-reacting | | | | gifts for making the changes you need. Enjoy the |
| but it's too late. For the moment, blowing your top feels | | | | experience. |
| good. | | | | Conclusion for Building Character with Disrespectful |
| Later, you regret your reaction. You made yourself | | | | Kids: |
| look bad and you know it. Maggie's disrespect for you | | | | Start with yourself. Accept responsibility for your |
| deepens. What can you do? | | | | behavior. Make a commitment to talk and act with |
| First Parenting Tip for Handling Disrespect and Building | | | | reason. Practice the 21-day solution. |
| Character: | | | | To those who say, "This is silly. I'll yell if I want to. I want |
| Accept responsibility for your behavior -- Stop saying, | | | | Maggie to know how mad she makes me," I say, |
| "I can't help my temper. That's the way I am." | | | | "You're the parent. You're the model. You're the |
| Making excuses frees you from trying. Excuses insure | | | | teacher. Be the parent who models a better way to |
| that you and Maggie will keep erupting. The disrespect | | | | act. Model your respectful behavior. You'll be building |
| will even get worse. | | | | character too. |
| Second Parenting Tip for Fighting Disrespect and | | | | |