| Finding out that you're having a baby is great news, | | | | parent for your child's personality. |
| and you were probably beside yourself in excitement. | | | | Instead of simply telling your child to behave more |
| Maybe you spent hours dreaming about how your | | | | appropriately, give him or her the tools to understand |
| baby would look or what kinds of things you would do | | | | the negative impact of the behavior. Enforce a more |
| together. Then your baby was born and reality struck; | | | | rigid structure in your home and avoid fighting for |
| you realized that you have a defiant child on your | | | | control of the house. Pass on problem-solving skills and |
| hands. | | | | accountability to your child. |
| Many parents find it difficult to admit to themselves | | | | It's been said many times that children would stop |
| that a defiant child isn't always the ray of sunshine | | | | misbehaving if only they had better self-esteem. |
| they were hoping for. They may have dreamed about | | | | However, throughout my years of experience as a |
| a well-behaved and respectful child, but unfortunately | | | | parent, coach, and teacher, I've found that the opposite |
| they seem to be out of luck in those departments. | | | | is true. |
| Parents of defiant children should first and foremost | | | | All children, but misbehaving children especially, improve |
| accept that their children do not always exhibit ideal | | | | their self-esteem by acting appropriately and being |
| behavior. This step is necessary before they can really | | | | rewarded for their success. Teach your child to solve |
| begin to correct the child's negative behavior. | | | | problems and think about the consequences of his or |
| If you do find yourself with a defiant child, realize that | | | | her actions and you'll be setting them on the right path. |
| although your child isn't perfect, you're not a perfect | | | | With these lessons learned, your child will understand |
| parent either. If you truly want to help your child rectify | | | | why acting out is considered a negative behavior and |
| his or her poor behavior, learn to be the right kind of | | | | your relationship will improve dramatically. |