I don’t know about you, but back talk drives me insane.
What many of us parents don’t realize is that it’s our approach that invites the back talk. It’s not our kids being jerks.
How many times have you said something along the lines of You DO NOT talk to me that way! or You would never talk to your teacher like that!
I know I’ve said those things more than once. Probably dozens or even hundreds of times, actually.
What we don’t realize is that we very often respond to back talk with…
more back talk!
We are modeling it for our children.
If back talk is something that makes you want to stab yourself in the eyeballs, there is hope!
The hope lies in you and your approach.
Instead of the typical responses that we have all used (without any long-term success), consider employing the positive discipline responses below:
Responding to your kids in a new and different way takes effort and concentration. It’s not easy, I know. But neither is being frustrated and angry when your kids repeatedly talk back to you.
The more you can model respectful responses to your children, the more they will be able to respectfully respond to you. And in the long run, not only will that help your children to develop the characteristics and traits you hope to instill in them before they head out into the world on their own, but it will also make your job as a parent a little bit easier.
Stay positive!
When I was growing up, back talk got a back hand on the bottom. I didn’t want to back talk to my parents after a spanking or two. More children need tough love rather than this giving in to the child. Your an adult act like one and the child will respect you for setting boundaries. You don’t need to be their friend you need to be their parent.
That’s funny — when my mom did that to me that was when I vowed to do whatever the hell I wanted to get revenge. There is a difference between showing kids respect and being their best friend. Also, respect for other human beings doesn’t equate the absence of limits and natural consequences!