5 Tips For Parents To Handle Their Out Of Control Child

Many parents feel like their kids are out of control at one time or another. But usually, that feeling is fairly fleeting. For some parents, however, out of control kids have become the norm. Their children refuse to listen, break the rules, and couldn't care less about consequences.

If you're feeling like your kids are out of control, take steps to regain your power. Maintaining your authority is important to your child's well-being and it's important for your own emotional health too.

* Establishing Rules Is Key

Believe it or not, kids like rules and limits. Kids feel safe when they trust their parents are good leaders who can set and enforce rules. When children don't trust that their parents can maintain order, they experience a lot of distress. And that distress can lead to even more behavior problems.

* Create structure to your children's day

Get the family on a routine by introducing more structure into your child's day. Create time for homework, chores, dinner, family activities, and play. Then, try to stick to the schedule as much as possible on weekdays.

* Assign chores

Whether your children are 4 or 14, it's important to assign regular age-appropriate chores. Get your children used to pitching in so they can practice being responsible members of the family.

* Provide Consequences for Misbehavior

Establish clear consequences for breaking the rules. It's important to be consistent with consequences. When your children know each rule violation will result in an immediate consequence, they'll be less likely to misbehave.

* Give Your Kids Incentives to Do Better

If your child isn't motivated to follow the rules, she may need some extra incentives to keep her on track. Use positive reinforcement to motivate her to follow the rules.