Re: when my 7 yr. old dd .....................
Gently I say...If you think of her as "difficult" , those emotions will come across to the child , she can pick up on that..and then she will do her darndest to live up to your expectations.
It helped when I started thinking of my children as "misunderstood" and not "difficult".
Screaming :
My ears don't hear you. You need to use words in a normal voice. If you'd like to let off steam you may scream into your pillow until you learn that screaming gets you no where.
Lying :
We both know you are lying and it makes me want to not trust you. You'll be in less trouble if you just tell me the truth. (truth is always thanked... "Thank you for telling the truth. Let's work on this situation together.)
Stomping:
Your attitude is showing through your feet and it's not acceptable. Stomping with attitude is not allowed.
Slamming of doors:
The slamming of doors is not allowed in this house. It's rude but mostly it's dangerous.
Then I'd set about finding healthy outlets for blowing off steam. I often would give my child some paper and a few crayons (or a tub of sidewalk chalk) and tell them to draw out their feelings. "Draw me with ugly horns and evil eyes. Let your feelings out that way. "
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