Image: Shutterstock
A disobedient child may go against your wishes and use defiance to control a situation. Defiance is a common issue that the parents of many children and adolescents experience. However, dealing with a child’s emotions during their growing years is not easy.
Disobedient children may often throw temper tantrums and show aggression. Although this developmental behavior is common in children, it is important to correct them. The first step to resolving this issue is to analyze the triggers for such independent behaviors and then bring positive changes accordingly.
Understanding disobedience is crucial for effective parenting. It not only helps in correcting the behavior but also fosters a stronger parent-child relationship. This post deals with the causes of disobedience in children and how to deal with them.
Causes Of Disobedience
There could be various reasons behind a child’s disobedience. Instead of aggressively dealing with it, you should understand the main cause and know how to discipline a child correctly.
1. Refusals and disagreements
Image: IStock
If you do not allow your child to do anything and say ‘no’ most of the time, it creates resistance in them causing it to turn into rebellion in kids. Constant disagreements and refusals would only drive them away from you, making them disobedient.
Point to consider2. Undefined boundaries
You might be setting boundaries for your children, but never explain the purpose behind them. Give reasons while you set healthy boundaries and regulations for your children. For instance, if you allow them to eat junk food only once a week, let them know the disadvantages of unhealthy food instead of only saying ‘you cannot have it.’
3. Constant labeling
Children who are often labeled with a tag take it into their stride. Suppose you label them as ‘arrogant,’ they might take it as their trait and start behaving the same. If a child is labeled as ‘best,’ they might think they can never go wrong. But when they are not at their best, it may impact their ego and lead to irrational behavior. Praising or scolding your child should not come with a label.
Quick tip4. Family environment
Constant quarrels within the family could leave an ill impact on the growing years of a child. Is there too much yelling in your house? Do the elders respect each other? A negative environment gets etched on the adolescent minds, and eventually, they may turn disobedient.
Consequences Of Disobedience
Disobedience should be addressed at an early stage. Unchecked disobedient behavior may cause the child to develop the following personality traits.
1. Arrogance
Image: IStock
Disobedience often culminates into arrogance. You all sit together for dinner, but your child wants to have something different. If you don’t provide them, they may resort to anger. Arrogance can manifest when children feel entitled or superior, often leading to a lack of empathy for others. This behavior may stem from their experiences at home or school, highlighting the need for consistent boundaries and humility training.
2. Lying
When children do not want to listen, they will find several excuses to escape from the situation. In the bargain, they may start lying to fulfill their demands. Suppose a child wants a new set of color boxes, despite owning one. You refuse to buy, and they resort to lying.
3. Disrespectful
You tell your child not to drop water on the floor and find them giving you a defiant expression. If you have overlooked their disobedient behavior once or twice, they may turn a deaf ear and disrespect your warnings eventually.
4. Stubbornness
Image: IStock
Excessive punishment for kids often causes disobedience, leading to stubbornness, especially in strong-willed children. Sometimes, inflicting too much pressure also makes them aggressive and disobedient. If you scold children frequently, it makes them prone to throwing tantrums and become stubborn.
5. Hurtful
It is a common trait with the little ones. If they are hurt, they could become rough and not play nice with siblings or friends. They may resort to pinching or biting in annoyance if they don’t get what they want.
Expert saysHow To Deal With Disobedient Children?
Showing explosive anger toward children is not the right solution. It might aggravate the issue, and the child might respond more disrespectfully. If you are wondering how to deal with a stubborn child and their disobedience more appropriately, here are a few ways to consider (1).
1. Use your authority and give an explanation
Image: IStock
Your child’s misbehavior should not lead you to a war with them. Let them know the dos and don’ts of your disciplinary actions. Be flexible with those actions, and there is nothing wrong with being strict. You can be friends with your children but draw a line when it comes to discipline. If you don’t want them to do anything, let them know the reason. For instance, you are not allowing your child to ride a bike without a helmet, tell them because it could lead to injury.
2. Let them be accountable
If your child is repeatedly making the same mistake, it’s time for a warning. If the child is perpetually bullying their sibling every day, tell them they won’t be allowed to watch their favorite cartoon show for a week. Maintain your actions strictly so that they don’t take them for granted.
3. Keep consistent control over them
Do not allow bad behavior or tantrums, just because it’s holiday time and you want to let things be. If you don’t control it, they might consider it your weakness, and become non-compliant. It also becomes their habit to manipulate you. So, keep control over their wrong behavior at every stage.
4. Be calm but firm
Image: IStock
Don’t lose your cool with your child. You have to act like a parent, not their sibling. Anger at all times may make the child rebellious. But at the same time, be authoritative. Authority should not be confused with anger. For example, if you want your child to arrange their toys in the cupboard, a polite tone works better than a commanding one. You can tell them, ‘keep your toys in the cupboard, then I’ll help you clean the room,’ instead of ‘keep your toys in the cupboard, else no TV.’
5. Empathize with them
You need to connect with them emotionally to judge their disobedience. Keep showering your love every now and then. Try to be a friendly parent. You can say, ‘don’t worry, you’ll be able to finish your homework’ or ‘take your time to finish your breakfast.’ By doing this, you empathize with them while getting the task done.
6. Give them a reason
Some children may get physical when annoyed. Tell them hitting may cause injury. Ask them how they would feel if someone hits them back, and they get hurt. Let them know that children with such behavior are not liked by all. If they have a habit of snatching their siblings’ things, ask them how they would feel if the same thing happens to them.
7. Reward them
Rewarding a child for their excellent behavior encourages them to get better with time. You go shopping, and you tell your children to play without fighting. When you come back, you see them at their best behavior. Give them their favorite ice cream or promise him a sleepover with a friend. You will find your children at their best every time. Acknowledging and rewarding good behavior consistently reinforces positive actions and motivates children to comply with expectations.
Quick fact8. Offer them a choice
If the child is adamant and refuses to listen, offer them variety. Give them a choice with limited results. For example, they need to eat vegetables but can do so either at lunch or dinner—it’s their call. It is a smart strategy that works on children and does your job.
9. Provide clear and sensible instructions
Instructions should not come with ‘ifs’ and ‘buts.’ Telling a child, they can go for a swim only if they manage to finish their homework may not serve the purpose. They might either manipulate you or lie to you that their task is done. Instead, make them aware of the rules to be followed. Stick to your instructions. If they do not follow, make them repeat it till they get the hang of it. Constant reminders with consequences often break their stubbornness.
Restrict yourself from labeling your children, even if it is done with positive intent. Children are complex, unique individuals accompanied by a lot of challenges in their growing years. They are gifted with unique traits, and we have to deal with them positively. Mold your little ones carefully and find them blossoming as they grow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you discipline a child who refuses to listen?
Building a positive bond with a child is vital to get them to listen and pay attention. Acknowledge their behavior and try to understand the reason behind their actions. Listen to their needs and come up with an amicable solution, set clear boundaries, pay compliments, appreciate their good behavior, and be consistent.
2. Is it right to give up on a disobedient child?
Giving up may seem appealing, but it is not the best course of action. Instead, one must comprehend the perspective of a rebellious child and propose solutions that will benefit both parties. Giving up can lead to negative consequences that are sometimes irreversible.
3. Is spanking an effective form of discipline for disobedient children?
Spanking children to discipline them may not be the right approach as, although it stops the disobedient behavior for the time being, it can instill fear without any long-term positive effect. Furthermore, it may normalize violence, leading to aggressive behavior in children in the future (4).
4. How can I balance discipline and positive reinforcement for my disobedient child?
You may reward and praise them for their good behavior and set up consequences beforehand, ensuring follow-up if they fail to behave. In addition, be patient, listen to their perspective, and provide reasons for your disapproval through clear communication and help them by consistently modeling good behavior.
5. How can I deal with my own frustration and emotions when my child is disobedient?
When dealing with a disobedient child, it is essential to remember temper tantrums and simple misbehaviors are typical in children. Take deep breaths and a couple of minutes to compose yourself. Although they may push you to your limits, try to reflect on your emotions before bursting out in anger and give firm instructions for them to follow. You may also seek the support of your partner, a family member, or a friend and have them take care of your child for a while so that you may collect your thoughts and have better communication with your child.
Disobedient children are often difficult to handle. But in the end, they are children who need your support and guidance. So try to understand them and determine the reason for their disobedience. It will help you find an effective solution to improve your child’s behavior. If your child disobeys you, address the causes early to avert it from causing issues, such as arrogance and lying. Remember, children learn from their elders, so lead by example and help them become responsible individuals.
Infographic: Tips To Discipline A Disobedient Child
Dealing with a child who refuses to listen to you can be challenging, especially while juggling work and home. We understand that, as parents, it can take a toll on your health and daily life, so this infographic has compiled the simple yet effective tricks and tips to discipline a disobedient child. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Children’s disobedience can be triggered by factors such as refusing to fulfill their demands, blaming without understanding, or negative influence.
- A disobedient child may eventually become arrogant, disrespectful, or start lying without a conscience.
- Try an empathetic approach and calmly explain the consequence of their words and actions while setting down some firm rules.
Illustration: Causes Of Child Disobedience & 9 Ways To Deal With Them
Image: Dalle.E/MomJunction Design Team
Master the art of handling stubborn children with expert advice in this enlightening video! Gain insights into managing challenging situations and fostering a positive atmosphere for your little ones.
References
1. Gaydos; Discipline: 5 Do’s and Don’ts When Your Kids Won’t Listen; Cleveland Clinic
2. What’s the Best Way to Discipline My Child?; AAP
3. When children ask for things: how to respond constructively; Raising Children
4. Why You Shouldn’t Spank Your Kids and What To Do Instead; Cleveland Clinic
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri
Read full bio of Bhavana Navuluri
Read full bio of Dr. Ritika Shah
Read full bio of Apoorva K
