P O S I T I V E

S T R A T E G I E S

Ways to react when your child doesn't listen

Think calm This can be hard.  Remember that the defiant behavior is not about you. 

thoughts It's about your child trying to regain control.

Repeat to your child what you think he or she must be feeling.  Such as, “I

see that you really want to throw your sister’s shopkin across the room. It

Try to must be really fun to see it fly, right".

empathize

Don't worry if you guess wrong.  You child will let you know and this will

open the doors for more communication.

Work together to brainstorm other ways that your child can express her
Look for
emotions.  
alternatives

For instance, if he's bored he can draw, play outside or play a game

instead of telling his sister he gets germs each time she touches him.

You may not want to, but establishing a physical connection may bring
Hug him
down your child's defenses.

Take action Make it physically impossible for your child to repeat the defiant act.

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