9 Ways to Raise a Rebellious Child

Fact: Kids love to push the limits.

Fact: Rebellion is a human condition.

Yet there are things we do as parents that encourage the growth and intensity of a rebellious heart.

Here are 9 ways you’re accidentally raising a rebellious child:

1. Expect perfection

Performance-based parenting focuses on the outside observables rather than internal notables. Notice outcomes but focus on developing your child’s character. Rather than only commentating on appearance or performance, “You look so beautiful” say, “Thanks for helping your sister today. You have such a kind heart.” 

2. Punish for every infraction

Instead, start saying what you want. When the child messes up, retrain. Next move to a natural consequence, let the punishment fit the crime. Then… if things continue down the wrong path and become habitual, move to punishment. Start small, you can always go bigger. Don’t forget to include grace and forgiveness when correcting.

3. Unreasonable exceptions

You know your child. Parent to your child’s unique personality. Take your child’s weaknesses, strengths, age, and stage into consideration.

4. Conditional love

Love no matter the behavior. Don’t withhold love and affection. Avoid saying things like, “You don’t deserve….”

5. Micro-manage

Back off. Avoid hovering and giving all kinds of “helpful” advice. We want our kids to learn not just follow instructions.

6. Redo

Don’t redo what your child did. Feel free to retrain but avoid redoing. He will think, “What’s the point loading the dishwasher she will only redo it.” 

7. Threaten

Unless you mean it, don’t say it.

8. Lecture

The lecture approach creates a brain freeze in the child. He will learn to tune you out. Short and sweet sound-bytes are much more effective.

9. Guilt

Say what you mean. Avoid the statements dripping with guilt induced language. “Oh I work so hard and now the sink is full of dishes…” rather say, “Okay gang, time to clean up the kitchen. Garrett, put the dishes in the dishwasher. Charlotte, pick up the toys and put them in the box.” 


Lori Wildenberg
Lori Wildenberghttps://loriwildenberg.com/
Lori Wildenberg is passionate about helping families build connections that last a life time. She is a licensed parent-family educator and co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting. She has written 4 parenting books with Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home published by New Hope as her most recent. She is a parent consultant, national speaker, and lead Mentor Mom over at the Moms Together Facebook Community Page. Lori is a contributor to a number of on-line magazines. Every Monday you can find her blogging about faith and family at loriwildenberg.com. Mostly, Lori is wife to Tom and mom of four. The Wildenbergs' home is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. A perfect day in Lori's world is a hike with her hubby, four kids plus a daughter-in-love, and Murphy the family labradoodle.

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