When your teenager is rude or treats you with disrespect, you must address the behavior. The following is a look at four ways to handle rude teens, and improve the situation as a result.
1. Don’t tolerate it. If your teen does anything that is inappropriate, rude, or unkind, it is time to do something about it. If you tolerate it, the behavior will continue, and your teen will think it is okay. Let your teen know you will not tolerate disrespect and mouthing off when it happens. Establish some consequence for their rude behavior and make sure to enforce it. Each and every time they are rude, you have to call them out on it, and give them some sort of consequence for their behavior.
2. Know how their friends affect them. Many times teens will act out in front of friends to appear cool or because they see their friends do it. So, let your child know that they can complain to their friends about you, but that does not give them permission to treat you poorly. Just because their parents friends tolerate disrespect does not mean that you will. Then let them know that if their behavior does not change, they won’t be able to hang out with that friend.
3. React, but not badly. When a teen is rude, you can’t ignore it, you have to react. Reacting badly however will make the situation worse. Show your teen there are other ways to handle situations by not treating them the way they are treating you. Show them respect. Make sure they know that they are in trouble, but you respect them, and are willing to get to the root of the problem. Discuss their actions with them, rather than just punish them blindly. This will show them that you are reasonable.
4. Use tactics to clue them in, and let them know they are on the hook. Sometimes teens are rude without realizing it. Or, it is kind of natural because they do not know how to handle their emotions. So, give them a chance to revoke, so that they learn. Next time your child mouths off, ask them to repeat it. This may sound like a bad idea, but it makes them take stock of what they said. Making them repeat it can help them realize they are being rude. It should only take a day or two before your child learns that their rude behavior is not going to be ignored or put up with, and that it needs to change.
Going back to school is a hectic time and sometimes it’s easy to forget some really basic items when your cart is full and your mind is busy. The following is a back to school checklist for every busy parent out there who needs help remembering what their child needs to go back to school.
School supplies.
Check with your school to get the list of items required for your childs class this year. In elementary school it usually includes things like pencils, notebooks, binders, erasers, crayons, etc. In high school it might be a graphing calculator, or a Spanish-English dictionary. Because every class and school district has different requirements for school supplies, remember that you need to get the list from your school and get everything on it.
Backpack.
A backpack or book bag of some type is the best way for your child to carry of their books and supplies to school. This backpack needs to serve three purposes. One, it has to be large enough to carry all of their stuff. Two, it has to be stylish enough that they feel cool when they use it. Three, in order to protect their back the backpack must be supportive. Look for one that is the right size for their frame, and that has a strap that can be buckled across the chest to help distribute weight better.
Water bottle.
Staying hydrated is important for proper brain function, and for the body. So, help your child find a suitable water bottle that fits their personality and style, and keeps them hydrated all day long.
Clothes.
Now is a great time to go through your child’s wardrobe and donate the items they no longer need. To a parent buying back to school clothes is typically purely functional, but to a child the outfits they choose can mean the world to them in terms of their ability to make friends and their self confidence. Don’t forget that while you should buy them underwear and socks, it is also okay to buy them a few name brand shirts and fun accessories.
Shoes.
If your child walks to school shoes are really important. Most schools have rules about what types of shoes are appropriate. Flip flops, and other open toe shoes may be restricted. Be sure to buy them some proper footwear that will last them the whole year, and that they will feel cool while wearing.
Gym wear.
In most elementary schools the students do not change into gym clothes at school for PE. For middle and high school they will most likely be required to change. If your child is enrolled in PE, be sure to buy them the proper clothing, this includes tennis shoes.
Lock.
Your child may have a locker that they need to provide their own lock for. Or, they may have a bike they need to lock to a bike stand. They may have a gym locker. Find out from your child’s school if they need to provide their own locks, or if the locks will be provided for them.
Transportation.
Make sure your child has proper transportation to and from school. If they are walking to school, be sure their footwear is suitable. If they want to ride their bike to school make sure it is in good working condition. If they ride the bus, make sure they know where the stop is, and the pick up time. If you are driving them, be sure to know the approved loading zones.
Immunizations.
There are various immunizations required for the different ages. Make sure your child has met the requirements for their age or grade, or has the exemption forms filled out.