Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to make this period or phase easier to manage; we have compiled a list of five things you can do when your big kid starts to challenge your authority.
Make them accountable for their actions
It is important they become accountable for their actions. So take away a toy if they don’t listen to you or tell them they can't play outside for a certain period of time. However, you don’t just need to punish bad behaviour; positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to ensure your child behaves. Reward charts are one of the most effective ways to help them with their challenging behaviour - having a goal at the end like a new book or a trip to the beach will motivate them more.
Change up the routine
If your child starts to give out around dinner time or just before bed it can actually be due to the fact that they are overtired or hungry. To avoid this, try to change up your routine slightly. Sometimes, something as simple as giving them dinner when they come home from school rather than an hour or two after can be just the trick to stop certain outbursts.
Tell them that things are going to change
Appeal to their sense of maturity and have a grown up chat with them about their behaviour. During a calm moment, sit down with them and talk about why their behaviour is unacceptable and the consequences if they do misbehave.
Talk about the incidence
Once you have both calmed down it is always a good idea to discuss what happened. This way you will both be able to be open about your feelings, ask them why they lashed out in the first place and talk about how they can handle the situation differently next time. Sometimes your child simply can’t control their anger and need your help to show them how.
Don’t negotiate with them
It is important you don’t try to negotiate with them too much otherwise they will try to bargain their way out of trouble. Your child will use anything to get what they want and often will feel that by negotiating with you, for instance saying they will be good if they can have something, you will eventually give in and they will have their way. It is important you stand firm on your decision if you want them to respect you.
