You tell your child that it is not a good thing to shout, and she screams at you. Inspite of constant ‘guidance’ that concentrate on studies and not T.V., your child seems to turn a deaf ear. The more you tell your child to interact with guests, the more he avoids them and prefers to spend time in
his room. And if there are several such instances that make you feel that your child is deliberately defying you, it is time to ask yourself a few questions.

Do you respect your child?: Telling your child that he is good for nothing or criticizing him for his behavior is like hurting and challenging his self esteem. Remember, children no matter how small, have self-respect.

Do you give him freedom?: As parents, it is natural to want the best for your child. This thought makes parents tell their child constantly what to do and what not to do. And children rebel in order to assert their power. Respect your child’s individuality and don’t try to mould him as per your desires or convenience.

Do you listen to your child?: Your child tells you that he wants to play outside, but you pull him into the house saying that then who’ll complete the homework. Only when you’ll empathize with the feelings of your child, listen to his desires, consider his dreams, only then your child will listen to what you are trying to say.

Do you punish your child?: If spanking, hitting, threatening, shouting are the kind of reactions to your child’s so called misbehavior, then he is bound to become a rebel. Patience and appreciation are the only means to streamline your child’s behavior.

Do you understand your child?: Children are little angels and not devils who nurse a secret desire to rebel against their parents. They want to run, explore and absorb all the elements of the vast world around them. And when we forget that they are just children, we start nagging and controlling them. In each rebellious act of a child is a message hidden for the parents ‘Please let me enjoy and live my life to the fullest’.