When your teenager mouths off, treats you badly, or does something else that is rude, you have to handle it. The following is a look at four ways to handle rude kids, and improve the situation as a result.
1. Don’t tolerate it. If your teen does anything that is inappropriate, rude, or unkind, it is time to do something about it. If you tolerate it, the behavior will continue, and your teen will think it is okay. Let your teen know you will not tolerate disrespect and mouthing off when it happens. Let them know that there are consequences attached to that kind of behavior, and be sure to follow through with it. Each and every time they are rude, you have to call them out on it, and give them some sort of consequence for their behavior.
2. Know how their friends affect them. Many times teens will act out in front of friends to appear cool or because they see their friends do it. So, let your child know that they can complain to their friends about you, but that does not give them permission to treat you poorly. Just because their parents friends tolerate disrespect does not mean that you will. Also, express to them that if the behavior continues they will not be allowed to have that friend over.
3. React, but not badly. When a teen is rude, you can’t ignore it, you have to react. Reacting poorly will only make the situation worse. Your teen needs to know that you aren’t going to act like nothing happened, but you are also not going to treat them the way they are treating you. Show them respect. Make sure they know that they are in trouble, but you respect them, and are willing to get to the root of the problem. Discuss their actions with them, rather than just punish them blindly. This will show them that you are reasonable.
4. Use tactics to clue them in, and let them know they are on the hook. Sometimes teens are rude without realizing it. Or, it is kind of natural because they do not know how to handle their emotions. So, give them a chance to revoke, so that they learn. Next time your child mouths off, ask them to repeat it. This may sound like a bad idea, but it makes them take stock of what they said. Often when they repeat it, they are embarrassed. In a few days. with consistency on your part, your child will realize their behavior will not be tolerated and that it needs to change.
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