How to Handle Kids' Back Talk

And why it happens.

Why kids talk back to us:

Kids talk back because they don't know how else to be heard or they're dealing with difficult emotions. We can  teach them to communicate respectfully.

Avoid shutting down kids' back talk

Kids need to learn to express their opinions but do so respectfully. Saying “Don’t you dare disrespect me!” will only make kids more defiant.

Say “Can you please say that in a respectful way?”

Let your child know you want to hear what they have to say (even if you disagree or it's unreasonable) but they must say it respectfully.

You don't have to agree with your child

You can acknowledge what your child says, letting them feel heard, but don't need to  agree with what they're saying.

Click the link below to learn more and see example phrases you can use with your kids.

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