Arguing with Your Children
Eva Macyszyn
• 2013-11-25 14:57:28
Contrary to popular
opinion, arguing with your kids is not detrimental to their development.
Instead, it may encourage them to consider various points of view surrounding
an issue. Parents and children can get caught up in a power struggle that is
often a battle of the personalities, rather than an argument about anything
useful. Arguing with your kids in a constructive way teaches them to consider
other opinions, and be critical thinkers.
Parents, here are a few tips to help
you constructively control an argument with your child.
-
Don't become overly emotional. If you are angry or extremely
emotional, it is best to take a few minutes, breathe, and clear your head
before you talk. Controlling your emotions will also control the argument. Your
child will respect you and your authority more.
- Be the grown-up. As many arguments between parents and children
are power struggles, it may be tempting to mirror your child's argument
tactics. For instance, if they yell at you, you might be tempted to yell back.
This confirms that yelling is an acceptable form of communication. Behave in a
calm, controlled way and your child may follow suit.
- Respect your child. A key ingredient to a proper argument is to
respect the other person. Respect your child and his or her point of view.
Acknowledge his or her opinion. This will teach them that respect is important
in all communication.
- Above all, stress the importance that your argument doesn't mean
that you don't care for them or love them anymore. Disagreements don't cancel
out the incredible love you have for your children.
Knowing that you love them even though you had a disagreement is
important to establishing a life-long relationship.