Daniel Wong

How to Deal With a Disrespectful Teenager: 10 Tips for Frustrated Parents

Updated on January 6, 2026 By 203 Comments

Dealing with a disrespectful teenager

Are you dealing with a disrespectful teenager?

Maybe he mutters under his breath when you ask him to do his homework.

Or maybe she slams her room door when you tell her that she can’t go out with her friends.

If so, you’re probably at your wits’ end.

You love your teenagers and you want the best for them.

But you also want them to accept that there are rules in your family, just as there are rules in the outside world.

Don’t be alarmed.

Disrespect towards parents is common as youngsters navigate the waters between childhood and adulthood.

But you can’t deal with disrespect by simply ignoring it. You need a strategy for how to deal with teenage attitude. There are things you need to do, and things you need to avoid doing.

This article explains 10 tips for successfully handling disrespectful and often rebellious teenagers.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

1. Understand the teenage brain

During childhood, there’s tremendous brain development. By age six, 95% of the brain’s structure has already been formed.

Picture it as a sudden development of the wiring of the brain.

The problem is that the new wiring hasn’t yet been connected to the key parts of the brain.

As Molly Edmonds writes, the teenage brain is like an entertainment centre whose components haven’t yet been hooked up.

There are loose wires everywhere. The speaker system hasn’t been connected to the DVD player. And the DVD player hasn’t been configured to work with the TV.

And as for the remote control – it hasn’t even arrived yet!

In this analogy, the remote control is the prefrontal cortex.

That’s the part of the brain that weighs outcomes, forms judgments, and controls impulses and emotions. But in the teenage brain, it hasn’t been properly connected yet.

What does this mean in practice?

It means teenagers can get frustrated easily, with themselves and with external situations. It makes them impulsive and subject to mood swings that you and I don’t experience.

That’s a heady cocktail that can turn teenagers into emotional wrecks.

Understanding that there’s a biological basis for your teenager’s difficult behaviour makes it much easier to deal with.

It helps you to focus on the behaviour rather than the person.

2. Think about the emotional needs underlying the behaviour

When teenagers are disrespectful to their parents, it’s sometimes a sign that they have emotional needs that aren’t being met.

Sometimes, disrespectful behaviour or throwing tantrums is a way of getting attention.

Other times, it’s an indication that they don’t feel accepted.

Sit down with your teenager and tell her that you’re there for her if she wants to talk about something. Remind her that you love her unconditionally.

Keep in mind that adolescents often feel powerless. As part of the process of growing up, teenagers need to differentiate themselves from their parents.

This often takes the form of adopting views that are radically different from yours.

Another important part of teenage development is establishing emotional autonomy. This usually involves taking back some of the power from their parents.

The most common way to do this is for the teenager to challenge the rules through conflict and confrontation.

While it may not entirely solve the problem, understanding the emotional needs underlying your teenager’s behaviour will help you to empathise with him.

3. Be a role model

Mother and son

The most important thing you can do is model the kind of behaviour you want to see in your teenager.

It’s amazing how many parents call their children disrespectful and then model the exact behaviour they’re criticising.

Remember, your children are constantly watching you as a role model.

If you’re wondering how to get your kids to respect you, you need to adopt a respectful attitude toward them, toward your spouse, and toward people outside the family.

This is especially important when your teenager is testing boundaries.

Do your best to rise above the level of your teenager’s behaviour. You can’t win by descending to their level. You can only win by being calm, consistent and modelling a better kind of behaviour.

Ideally, this role modelling is something that should start early in the life of your child. But it’s never too late!

It’s definitely one of the keys to raising a successful and happy child.

4. Understand that your teenager is developing independence

Severe disrespect towards parents should never be tolerated.

But it’s important to understand that some level of disrespect is part of the process of growing up and developing independence.

Examples of this kind of disrespect might be eye-rolling, unnecessary remarks, or ignored requests.

Children grow up in an environment where the balance of power lies with the parents. Surrounded by rules and expectations, children tend to feel powerless.

Talking back and other forms of mild disrespect are simply ways for your teenager to feel as if he’s taking back some of that power.

It’s a natural process: your teenager is learning to express himself and to have his own ideas.

And developing independence is a vital aspect of growing up.

5. Ignore mild forms of disrespect

Two figures

There’s a scene in The Sound of Music where Captain von Trapp lines his children up and summons each of them with a whistle.

In the von Trapp family, the father demands absolute respect.

But that’s neither healthy nor desirable.

In fact, it’s usually best to ignore mildly disrespectful behaviour such as shrugging the shoulders, raised eyebrows, feigned boredom, or muttering under the breath.

Disrespectful behaviour in teenagers is common and is part of the process of growing up.

But blatant rudeness should never be tolerated. Ignoring it will simply lead to an escalation of such behaviour.

6. Set clear and consistent boundaries

One of the most common causes of disrespect in teenagers is the absence of boundaries.

Children who have been spoilt or allowed to have their own way often become disrespectful teenagers.

Families in which the parents have rules for teens but apply them inconsistently are also likely to produce disrespectful teenagers.

Inconsistency can occur when a parent arbitrarily applies different rules on different days for no apparent reason.

For example, allowing a child to stay up till 10:30pm on one weekday but insisting they turn their lights out by 8:30pm the next weekday.

Inconsistency can also arise where two parents apply different rules. For example, one parent might insist on no more than an hour of screen time in the evenings while the other parent imposes no time limit at all.

Here are two reasons why inconsistent rules contribute to the problem of disrespectful teenagers:

  • Where one parent is lax and the other is strict, teenagers learn to exploit the inconsistency and play one parent against the other
  • Where a parent is lax on some days and strict on others, teenagers can use the inconsistency to question the rules

So it’s important that parents set clear rules and boundaries and apply them consistently – this is a parenting skill that requires practice to master.

Whenever possible, discuss these boundaries with your teenager before they’re set.

7. If you set consequences, follow through on them

Consequences

While it’s a good idea to acknowledge your teenager’s good behaviour, sometimes you may have to set consequences for their bad behaviour.

If you do, it’s important to follow through on these consequences.

A common mistake parents make is to threaten consequences in the heat of the moment and then fail to act on them.

Believe it or not, teenagers are looking for boundaries. They want to know where the boundaries are – that’s why they test the boundaries.

When you follow through on consequences, your teenager feels safer because she knows where the boundaries are. She learns to trust you because you stand by your word.

But most importantly, she learns that the behaviour in question is not acceptable.

Here are some tips on setting consequences for bad behaviour:

  • Make the consequences short term, not long term. When the consequence is short term, the teenager has a chance to learn quickly and move on.
  • Don’t make the consequences too harsh.
  • Don’t add punitive statements (such as “I told you this was going to happen”) to the consequence. Let the consequence speak for itself. Punitive statements will arouse feelings of anger and resentment in the teenager instead of allowing her to focus on the bad behaviour and its consequences.

(Learn more about how to deal with a teenager who doesn’t care about consequences.)

8. Don’t make it personal

When dealing with a disrespectful teenager, it’s easy to get caught up in your own emotions. When you do that, you’re likely to make it personal.

But that’s a mistake, because what you need to be focusing on is the behaviour, not the person.

When you focus on the behaviour and not the person, it makes it easier for everyone to stay calm. It allows both you and your teenager to avoid getting emotional.

9. Avoid unnecessary arguments

Engaging in an argument with a disrespectful teenager isn’t going to have a positive outcome. Arguments have a tendency to escalate and get out of control.

When we get angry we say things we later regret.

Instead, stay calm and remember that you want to focus on the behaviour and not get into a power struggle.

But this isn’t always easy, because adolescents experience a whirlwind of emotions.

Remember that as an adult you’re better able to control your emotions than your teenager. It’s an advantage you should put to good use.

Father and son

10. Avoid using “you are” and “you should” statements

When confronting your teenager about unacceptable behaviour, avoid making statements such as: “You are such a selfish/ narcissistic/lazy/uncooperative/rude person.”

Also avoid making statements such as: “You should stop using your phone so much/work harder/pay attention in class/be more responsible.”

Remember, you want to focus on the behaviour instead of casting judgment on your teenager.

Use statements that focus specifically on the behaviour, such as: “When you ignore my requests/shout at me, I feel disrespected.”

Conclusion

The teenage years are challenging, both for teenagers and their parents. And disrespectful teenage behaviour is one of the most frustrating issues for parents to deal with.

Many parents wonder: “Why does my teenager hate me?” But I assure you that’s usually not the case.

The tips in this article will help you navigate these difficult waters.

In particular, target the behaviour and not the person, and develop an understanding of the teenage brain and how it shapes your teenager’s behaviour.

Focus on one tip at a time. When you have that aspect under control, implement another tip.

Gradually, you’ll see an improvement in your teenager’s behaviour – and family life will become more harmonious!

Found this article useful? Please share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

12 Effective Parenting Skills Every Parent Should Have (Backed by Science)

Updated on January 6, 2026 By 32 Comments

Good parenting skills

Do you want to have good parenting skills?

Of course you do.

You want to help your children make the most of their potential, and you want them to be contributing members of society.

But it’s time-consuming to sift through all the parenting tips out there.

What makes it more confusing is that the tips from different “parenting experts” are often contradictory!

I wanted to know what parenting skills and tips have been proven to be effective. So I read through all the scientific articles I could find.

Based on many hours of research, I’ve come up with this list of 12 good parenting skills. (If you’d like to discover another three skills effective parents have, download the free bonus below.)

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the skills found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus skills that you’ll only find in the PDF.

Research-backed good parenting skills

To become more effective as a parent, practise the skills that have been proven to get the best results.

These will become the parenting strengths you can then rely on to raise children who develop into confident, successful adults.

Parenting skill #1: Focus more on your children’s positive behaviour than negative behaviour.

Yale University psychology professor Alan Kazdin explains that parents should be intentional about focusing more on their children’s positive behaviour than on their negative behaviour.[1]

The more parents scold or reprimand, the more the bad behaviour gets repeated.

When they receive a lot of scolding, children start to internalise the belief that “I’m a bad child who misbehaves and gets scolded”.

As such, they don’t feel motivated to correct their behaviour, because it has already become a part of their identity.

Effective parents understand that the better approach is to acknowledge or describe their children’s good behaviour when they see it.

You may have to go out of your way to do this. (You can also check out these 50+ positive things to say to your children.)

Approach this with patience and dedication and you’ll observe your children’s behaviour improving over time.

Parenting skill #2: Teach your children to focus on the needs of others.

Lara Aknin’s research shows that children find happiness through giving to others.[2]

In fact, children find greater happiness when they give to others sacrificially.

These are interesting findings, because most of us are naturally self-centred. We look out for our own needs before the needs of others.

But the research indicates that if we overcome our selfish nature and focus on the needs of others, we’ll be happier.

If you want your children to lead joyful, fulfilling lives, teach them to serve others and contribute. Involve them in activities where they get to help others and make a positive impact.

When your children think more in terms of contribution and less in terms of achievement, they’ll be on the path of building a happy and successful life.

Parenting skill #3: Don’t shout at your children.

Mother and daughter

You’ve probably already told yourself that you shouldn’t shout at your children.

But when your children are driving you up the wall, it isn’t easy to stop yourself from yelling.

Ming-Te Wang’s research findings are clear: The more you shout at your children, the more their behaviour will worsen.[3]

Instead of trying to control your children’s behaviour, understand their perspective and feelings. Then use logical reasoning to get through to them.

To improve your parenting skills and better manage your anger, try these tips:

  • Make a firm decision that you won’t shout at your children unless it’s a matter of safety
  • Decide beforehand what you’ll do if you start to become angry
  • Walk away from the situation if necessary
  • Take five deep breaths when you become agitated
  • Avoid using threats
  • Analyse the role you have to play in the conflict
  • Think about what unmet needs your child has, so that you can get to the root of the issue, e.g. he might feel as if he has no control over his life, which explains his rebellious or risky behaviour.

Parenting skill #4: Give your children responsibilities around the house.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development is one of the longest longitudinal studies ever done.

One finding of the study is that children who do more chores around the house become happier later on.[4]

Household responsibilities teach children important life lessons related to duty, cooperation, community and hard work.

People who learn such lessons early in life are more likely to become well-adjusted adults.

Successful parents make household chores a part of the family’s routine and culture. This sets children up for future success.

Parenting skill #5: Build a strong relationship with your spouse.

What does your marriage have to do with your parenting skills?

Children from low-conflict families are happier and more successful in the long run, as compared to children from high-conflict families.[5]

The research shows that parents who have a healthy marriage are more likely to raise children who are well-adjusted. Furthermore, you’ll set an example for when they start dating in high school.

One of the most important things you can do to benefit your children is to build a strong relationship with your spouse.

I don’t claim to be a marriage expert, but here are some pieces of advice I’ve received that have helped my wife and I to build a strong marriage:

  • Focus on solving problems instead of assigning blame
  • Remember that the relationship is more important than being right
  • Whenever possible, sit side-by-side when you’re at a restaurant or café
  • Make time to talk every day
  • Ask “What can I give to the relationship?” more often than you ask “What can I get from the relationship?”
  • Discuss your future plans together
  • Don’t pick on your spouse’s flaws
  • Compliment your spouse in front of other people
  • Occasionally ask your spouse, “What can I do to be a better husband/wife?”
  • Don’t compare your marriage with other people’s marriages
  • Be kind and polite to your spouse

Parenting skill #6: Teach your children to view challenges positively.

View challenges positively

Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck has spent decades trying to understand how your mindset affects how successful you become.

She has found that people who view challenges and obstacles positively are far more likely to become successful than those who don’t.[6]

Successful people look at challenges and think: “It’s going to be hard, but it’s going to be fun. I’m going to learn a lot through the process of overcoming these challenges.”

On the other hand, people who aren’t so successful look at challenges and think: “It’s going to be hard, so I’d rather do something easier. I’ll try to avoid these challenges, but if I really can’t I’ll find a shortcut instead.”

These differing attitudes develop in childhood and adolescence. As such, good parents hone their skill of enabling their children to view challenges positively.

Parenting skill #7: Don’t do things for your children that your children should do themselves.

Parents want their children to be responsible and independent.

But, at the same time, they feel the urge to supervise their children closely and do things for their children that their children ought to do themselves.

This explains the prevalence of helicopter parents.

Larry Nelson’s research shows that helicopter parenting causes children to become less engaged in school, and causes their well-being to suffer too.[7]

A good parenting skill to develop is how not to be a helicopter parent.

Here are some ways to ensure you don’t become a helicopter parent and instead develop parenting strengths:

  • Don’t do things for your children that are their own responsibility
  • Let your children make age-appropriate choices
  • Let your children deal with the natural consequences of their choices
  • As far as possible, refrain from saying “You’re too young to…”
  • Don’t allow your children to become the centre of your universe
  • Let your children fail
  • Ask your children, “How do you think you might be able to solve the problem?”

Parenting skill #8: Help your children develop social skills.

Researchers tracked more than 750 children over a period of 13 to 19 years. They found a correlation between the children’s social skills as kindergarteners and how self-confident and successful they were as adults.[8]

These findings highlight the importance of teaching children social skills.

Here’s a list of social skills that you can help your children develop:

  • Sharing
  • Giving feedback
  • Accepting differences
  • Respecting others’ rights and property
  • Identifying others’ feelings
  • Seeing things from others’ perspective
  • Making eye contact
  • Managing negative emotions
  • Listening
  • Not interrupting
  • Resolving conflicts
  • Disagreeing respectfully
  • Cooperating
  • Helping others
  • Complimenting others
  • Being polite
  • Asking for help

In addition, here’s a handy resource that’s filled with activities to teach children social skills.

Parenting skill #9: Guide your children without controlling or micromanaging them.

Guide your children

Psychologist Diana Baumrind has done years of research about the effects of different parenting styles on children.[9]

She concluded that there are three types of parenting styles in general:

  • Permissive: The parent is too lenient and gives in to the child’s unreasonable demands too often. The parent doesn’t set consistent boundaries or rules. Children with permissive parents often become “spoiled”.
  • Authoritarian: The parent is too strict, and is frequently harsh and uncompromising. The parent often coerces or forces the child into doing things. Children with authoritarian parents often become resentful and rebellious in the long run.
  • Authoritative: The parent is “just right”, showing warmth and affection toward the child without being indulgent. The parent sets boundaries for the child, but is willing to compromise or negotiate if the situation calls for it. All else being equal, children with authoritative parents are the most likely to lead happy, successful lives.

Furthermore, Wendy Grolnick’s research also indicates that children who are raised by controlling parents are less independent and are less likely to develop problem solving skills.[10]

Of course, it’s easier said than done for parents to adopt an authoritative parenting style all the time. But the research shows that this is the most effective approach to take.

So make an effort to guide and coach your children, without being controlling. This is a parenting skill that’s definitely worth developing!

(You can also look into educational coaching as a means to help your children become more proactive and self-motivated.)

Parenting skill #10: Give your children a sense of security.

Research by Lee Raby indicates that children who have a strong sense of security early on in life go on to perform better in school. These children also go on to have healthier relationships in adulthood.[11]

This may seem like an obvious finding, but it’s interesting to note that early experiences have such a profound impact on a child’s development.

To build on your parenting strengths and give your children a sense of security, do the following:

  • Show affection toward them
  • Appreciate them
  • Treat them with respect
  • Acknowledge their feelings
  • Set consistent boundaries
  • Give them your full attention when you’re with them
  • Be approachable
  • Remind them that you love them unconditionally
  • Keep your promises
  • Be dependable and trustworthy

Parenting skill #11: Help your children to develop resilience and perseverance.

Psychologist Angela Duckworth has found that grit – defined as “perseverance and passion for long-term goals” – is one of the most important traits that leads to success.[12]

When it comes to long-term success, the research indicates that grit is more important than factors like IQ and talent.

How can you master the parenting skills that will help your children develop grit?

Here are some suggestions:

  • Emphasise progress over perfection
  • Encourage them to take on manageable challenges
  • Emphasise effort over outcome
  • Model for them what it means to be gritty
  • Show them that you’re continually taking risks and getting outside your comfort zone
  • Talk about the challenges you face and what you’re doing to overcome them
  • Focus more on contribution and less on achievement
  • Let them make mistakes

Parenting skill #12: Manage your own stress effectively.

Stress management

A fascinating study conducted by Marilyn Essex shows that parents’ stress can affect their children’s genes for many years into the future.[13]

This highlights how vital it is for parents to manage their own stress effectively.

Stress affects you, but it also affects your children!

I’ve heard it said that stress is a fact of life, but that it should never become a way of life.

Managing stress is a huge topic on its own. So if you’re under a lot of stress, I encourage you to check out this article and this article for practical tips on how parents can manage their stress better.

Improve your parenting skills and watch your children thrive

You’re committed to developing the skills needed to be a good, effective, and even world-class parent.

How do I know this?

You’ve made it to the end of this 2,000-word article. That’s something only committed parents would do. 🙂

As you implement the tips listed in this article, you’ll become a better parent.

(Download the free bonus below to learn three more skills you ought to develop.)

Over time, you’ll observe your children becoming more responsible, resilient and self-motivated.

And you won’t have to nag them anymore either.

Of course, this is a journey that will take time and effort. But it’ll be worth it!

Like this article? Share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the skills found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus skills that you’ll only find in the PDF.

Want to Be a Better Parent? Ask Your Children 7 Simple Questions

Updated on January 6, 2026 By Leave a Comment

Questions to ask your children

As a parent, you want to raise children who are responsible and self-motivated.

You want them to do well in school, and you want them to communicate with you openly.

You also want to build a happy family.

But I’m sure you’ve already realised that you won’t achieve these goals easily.

Along the way, your children may have become disobedient, rebellious or disengaged. (This is especially likely if your children are pre-teens or teens.)

Your home environment may have become tense or even hostile.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, don’t worry. This article will help.

I don’t claim to be a parenting expert — I’m still learning how to raise my two young boys well.

But over the years I’ve spoken to and worked with thousands of pre-teens and teens. As such, I understand how to get through to them.

In this article, I’ll share with you seven simple questions to ask your children, which will help you to reach your parenting goals.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the questions found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus questions that you’ll only find in the PDF.

Question #1: “What can I do to be a better parent?”

The simplest way to become a better parent is to ask your children what they think.

When you ask them Question #1, be prepared for an honest answer.

Your children may point out your flaws.

They may bring up incidents where you were unreasonable or inconsistent.

They may highlight ways in which you haven’t been a good role model.

Is this a scary proposition?

Yes.

But the feedback you get will be invaluable in helping you understand which parenting skills you need to develop.

Question #2: “What do you like/dislike about being in our family?”

Parents frequently complain to me that their children are withdrawn. They tell me that their children would rather spend time with their friends than family.

To get to the root of the issue, ask your children Question #2.

This question will help your children to see that there are good things about your family that they may have taken for granted.

At the same time, when they articulate what they dislike, you’ll understand what you can do to build a more united family.

Perhaps your children feel as if they don’t have enough freedom. Or perhaps they feel as if you’ve set too many house rules.

Whatever the case, this is an opportunity to brainstorm with your children. Together, you can find ways to make your home a happier one.

Question #3: “What are the biggest challenges you’re facing?”

Challenges facing your children

Many parents focus too much on their children’s behaviour and academic performance. As a result, they don’t understand their children’s deeper concerns.

Children behave responsibly not when they understand why it’s important to do so. They behave responsibly when they feel understood by their parents.

By asking your children Question #3, you’ll get a better sense of their fears and aspirations.

This will help you to form a stronger parent-child bond.

Question #4: “How can we make our family more fun?”

Pre-teens and teens often tell me that they don’t like family time because it’s boring.

Furthermore, during family time they feel as if their parents might criticise or nag them.

It’s no wonder that pre-teens and teens don’t want to hang out with their parents!

Based on your children’s answer to Question #4, you’ll be able to think of ways to make family time more enjoyable.

After all, united families go through tough times together. But they also have plenty of fun together too!

Question #5: “What things are you excited about?”

This is a great question to help you understand your children better.

Maybe there’s a new game or show they like. Or maybe they can’t wait for their upcoming performance.

No matter what their answer is, don’t lecture them.

For example, your children might start going on and on about the latest game that all their friends are playing. As you listen, you might be tempted to warn them not to become addicted to the game.

You might also be tempted to remind them to focus on their academics.

But reserve the lecture for another time.

When your children tell you what they’re excited about, share in their excitement. Do your best to find out why they’re so thrilled.

This simple act will mean a lot to them.

Question #6: “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Helping your children

Parents’ natural instinct is to nag and remind their children. But children don’t respond well to this approach.

If you observe that your children are going through a rough time, ask them if there’s anything you can do to help.

Don’t be offended if their answer is “nothing”. They might not be ready to receive help, or they might want to work through the challenge on their own.

When you offer assistance in a non-judgmental and non-intrusive way, your children will appreciate it.

They’ll then be more willing to seek help from you if they need it.

Question #7: “Do you feel as if I understand you?”

I often hear from pre-teens and teens that their parents just don’t understand them.

When children don’t feel understood, they begin to tune out the advice their parents give them.

Parents perceive this behaviour as rebellious or defiant, but it isn’t.

It’s simply a human need to first feel understood.

If your children don’t feel as if you understand them, then explore the issue further.

Hear them out, and create a safe environment for them to share their feelings.

By doing so, you’ll lay the foundation for a healthy parent-child relationship and a happy home.

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the end of this article, so I know that you’re a committed parent.

You’re committed to raising your children well.

You’re committed to building a strong family.

You’re committed to becoming the best parent you can be.

The next step is to take action.

Every month, ask your children two to three of the questions listed in this article. (Download the free bonus PDF below to learn three additional questions.)

Mark it down on your calendar or set a reminder so you won’t forget.

And when you have the conversation with your children, be open-minded. Make it clear to them that you value their opinions and honesty.

If they have negative feedback, don’t take it personally. After all, the fastest way to improve as a parent – and in life, too – is to get regular feedback.

As you reflect and act on the feedback you receive from your children, you’ll become a more effective parent.

I’m sure your children will become more mature and happier too!

Like this article? Share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the questions found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus questions that you’ll only find in the PDF.

What to Do If Your Teen Hates School: 15 Strategies That Work

Updated on July 14, 2025 By 98 Comments

Teen hates school“My teenager hates school, and I don’t know what I should do!”

Maybe this describes the situation you’re in.

Does your teen say that he hates school?

Does he complain about his teachers and classmates, and about how “useless” school is?

Or maybe your teen complains that the people in school are “fake”, and that it’s hard to make friends?

If so, I’m sure you feel concerned.

You want to help your teen, but whatever you’ve tried so far hasn’t worked.

Don’t worry.

Given that I work with students — the majority of whom are teens — for a living, I know how common it is for teens to dislike school.

Nonetheless, this is still an issue that must be addressed.

There are many powerful strategies you can employ to help the situation. In this article, I’ll outline 15 of them.

(Download the free bonus below to learn five more strategies.)

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the strategies found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus strategies that you’ll only find in the PDF.

Why do teens hate school?

As a parent and as a coach who works with teenagers, I understand how challenging it can be to see your child hating school.

You don’t want your teens to be miserable, but you also want what’s best for them in the long term.

While academics aren’t everything, doing well in school does lead to more opportunities for scholarships, higher education, and employment.

Here’s the thing…

Before you can motivate your teenagers to enjoy school, you must understand why they dislike school in the first place.

For many students, school is like a roller coaster — full of nerve-racking lows and exhilarating highs. Threatening or lecturing your teens won’t help them navigate the heart-pounding ride.

Instead, let’s explore a few answers to the all-important question: “Why do teens hate school?”

They feel like they have no control over their lives

teenager on laptop at homeThe teenage years are a time when they’re discovering their identity: their motivations, interests, values, and goals.

Teenagers are also growing up, which means that they’re developing their independence.

So, your teens want to feel in control of their lives.

But the traditional school setting typically gives them few opportunities to exert this control, outside of setting academic goals.

Most teenagers have few options with regard to which classes they’re taking, so they don’t get to study the topics that genuinely interest them.

Add jam-packed schedules and strict rules to the mix, and it’s no wonder that teens find school frustrating and sometimes pointless.

If your teen hates school, it could be a lack of autonomy that’s driving this feeling of resentment.

They feel overwhelmed and stressed

Waking up early. High-pressure extracurriculars. Exams, homework, and projects.

Teens today are more stressed than ever before. In fact, nearly one-third of teens report feeling overwhelmed, a figure on par with adult stress levels.

These statistics are a cause for concern.

As American Psychological Association CEO Norman B. Anderson, PhD says:

It is alarming that the teen stress experience is so similar to that of adults. It is even more concerning that they seem to underestimate the potential impact that stress has on their physical and mental health.

(If you’re concerned about your teen’s mental well-being, here are seven tips to support your child’s mental health.)

Help your teenager to manage stress effectively, and you might find that you no longer say that “my teenager hates school”.

They feel that school is just about getting good grades

Does your teen feel pressured to achieve outstanding grades?

Most students do. Yet academic success is about so much more than report cards and grades.

It’s important to show your teen that it’s not the outcome but the process that matters most.

Sure, it feels good to get excellent grades. But what’s more important are the valuable life skills your child gains along the way, e.g. critical thinking, organisation, planning, self-management.

If your teens feel the only purpose of school is to memorise facts and equations, they’ll struggle to find joy in the learning process.

They’re being bullied

bullying at schoolMany parents don’t know when their teen is being bullied.

If you keep saying to yourself that “my teen hates school”, check in with your child to ensure that he or she isn’t being bullied.

Just because your teen hasn’t mentioned the issue doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.

If there’s bullying going on, don’t blame yourself. Instead, support your child and empathise with him or her as you find a solution together.

What to do if your child hates school

As we’ve seen, there’s typically a reason why your child doesn’t enjoy school.

Now, let’s explore 15 proven strategies that will help anytime you’re wondering what to do about your child hating school:

1. Don’t assume that your teen is being defiant or rebellious

As children enter the teenage years, they crave autonomy. They’re also forming their identity, all while their bodies and brains are going through drastic changes.

As such, teens often exhibit rebellious behaviour.

But don’t assume that this is the only reason your teen tells you she hates school.

Many times, there are other issues at play, e.g., feeling overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with schoolwork, bullying, fear of exams.

2. Think about what you’ve been doing that may have contributed to the problem

Here are some questions to ask yourself when you find yourself saying “my teenager hates school”:

  • Do I frequently nag my teen?
  • Do I always talk about school-related topics?
  • Do I talk as if my teen’s hobbies are a waste of time, or that they’re merely a distraction from her schoolwork?
  • Do I compare my teen with her friends, cousins or siblings?
  • Do I overemphasise the importance of performing well in school?
  • Do I frequently force or coerce my teen into doing schoolwork?
  • Do I sign my teen up for classes or programmes without first seeking her consent?

On their own, none of these behaviours will result in you having a disrespectful teenager who hates school.

But in combination, they’ll likely cause a power struggle between you and your teen.

Over time, your teen may develop even more negative emotional associations with school.

3. Use active listening techniques when talking to your teen about the issue

active listening to your childWhen you talk to your teen about why he hates school (and when you talk to him about other topics too), use active listening techniques such as the following:

  • Give your teen your full attention
  • Don’t multitask
  • Don’t interrupt your teen while he’s talking
  • Encourage your teen to keep talking, e.g. by saying “go on” or “tell me more”
  • Empathise with your teen
  • Seek to understand how he is feeling
  • Don’t judge
  • Don’t moralise
  • As far as possible, don’t provide unsolicited advice
  • Occasionally summarise what you think your teen has been saying and reflect it back to him, e.g. “It sounds like you feel as if your math teacher doesn’t explain the concepts well, so you dislike math.”

By using active listening techniques, your teen will be more likely to share with you what’s troubling him.

4. Don’t use threats

It’s tempting for parents to use threats to coerce their teens into behaving “correctly”.

Whether it’s threatening to reduce your teen’s allowance or take away her phone, it won’t work in the long run.

The use of power becomes less effective as children get older. By the time they’re teenagers, this approach doesn’t work, and tends to backfire instead.

In other words, it isn’t possible to threaten your teen into becoming a motivated and responsible student who loves going to school.

If your teen detests school, the root cause is probably emotional in nature. This is what must be addressed as a priority.

5. Don’t lecture

“My teen hates school — should I lecture him or her?”

Perhaps that’s the question on your mind.

I advise parents to avoid lecturing their teens. But if you really can’t help it, keep the lecture short.

Teens tell me that they start tuning their parents out about two minutes into the lecture. So you’ll be wasting your breath if your lecture lasts longer than that.

Teen does not want to listen

Your teen won’t respond well to you preaching about the importance of school. Nor will he start or stop performing specific behaviours because you told him that he “should” or “shouldn’t” do those things.

(When was the last time you started eating healthily just because a relative or friend told you that you “should”?)

Lecturing won’t help your teen’s anxiety either, if that’s something he’s struggling with.

Even students who have an intense hatred for school know that doing well in school is important. They don’t need you to remind them of that, because their teachers do that almost every day.

What does your teen need from you?

He needs you to listen to him, to understand him, to see things from his perspective – this is a parenting skill I encourage you to develop.

When your teen feels understood, he’ll change his behaviour and attitude.

6. Reduce your focus on school and academics

I’m not saying that you shouldn’t bring up school-related topics at all.

But many teens have told me that it seems as if school is the only thing their parents care about. And it’s true that many parents I talk to are mostly interested in how to get their teenagers to do their homework.

So make it a point to talk about topics that your teen is interested in, e.g. music, hobbies, gaming, social media.

When the conversations you have with your teen are more balanced, your teen’s attitude toward school will become more balanced too.

7. Help your teen to learn organisational and study skills

Many students who don’t like school feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, projects, tests, exams, etc.

Most of these students haven’t learned how to prioritise, plan, stay organised, manage their time, and focus when studying.

If this describes your teen, encourage – but don’t force – her to develop these skills. To do so, she can check out relevant resources and sign up for programmes.

This is the reason why I’ve developed courses like The Perfect Study Plan, and why I coach students 1-to-1.

When students develop the necessary organisational skills and apply effective study tips, they often stop hating school!

8. Acknowledge your teen’s progress and effort

In progressOne piece of feedback I get from many teens is that they’re discouraged.

They feel as if they’ll never be good enough to live up to their parents’ expectations.

Instead of focusing on your teen’s grades, focus on their effort instead. Whenever you observe her exhibiting positive behaviour, acknowledge it.

This simple act will mean a lot to her. It will also remind her that the reward is found in the journey itself, not just the destination.

By acknowledging her progress, she’ll be more likely to develop intrinsic motivation.

9. Talk to your teen’s teachers

Reach out to your teen’s teachers. Given that they interact with your teen almost every day, they’re likely to have insights into why he hates school.

All the teachers I know are insanely busy. So even if you’re only able to schedule a 10-minute phone call with your teen’s teacher, make the most of the opportunity.

10. Talk to the parents of your teen’s friends

On a related note, to get a better picture of what’s going on, talk to the parents of your teen’s friends.

These parents would have heard from their children about what’s been frustrating them at school. Based on this feedback, you’ll understand your teen’s concerns better too.

11. Ensure that your home is an emotionally safe environment

Teens frequently tell me that they don’t feel emotionally safe at home.

Why do they say this?

Because they feel that when they’re at home, they can be nagged, criticised, blamed, reprimanded or lectured to at any time. They feel as if they can be “attacked” without forewarning.

It’s only natural that they withdraw, locking themselves in their room if possible.

If the home environment isn’t emotionally safe, teens won’t share what’s on their minds. This will only make the situation worse, and you’ll keep wondering why your teen hates school so much.

When parenting teens, do your best to cultivate a home environment that’s full of appreciation, respect and kindness.

Emphasise that there are standards that must be upheld, but that every family member will always receive unconditional acceptance.

12. Determine if there’s something more serious going on

depressed teensIf your teen says that she hates school, it may be a sign of something more serious, e.g. depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorders.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • Feeling tired most of the time
  • Poor concentration
  • Feeling worthless
  • Feelings of self-hatred
  • Changes in appetite
  • Irritability
  • Persistent sadness
  • Self-harm
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Change in sleep habits
  • Frequent crying
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Loss of motivation to study or do schoolwork

If your teen is exhibiting several of these symptoms, seek help right away.

13. Ensure that your teen’s life isn’t overscheduled

Sometimes, teens who hate school are simply worn out. They feel overwhelmed by the demands of school, extracurricular activities, etc.

They may be physically exhausted and sleep-deprived. This affects their mood, which makes them more likely to perceive situations negatively.

Teens need time to think, reflect, explore and dream.

Do what you can to ensure that your teen’s life isn’t overscheduled. Over time, you’ll see improvements in his attitude toward school.

14. Be patient and encouraging toward your teen

No matter how old we are, we’re all on a journey of learning, growing and maturing.

It’s a process for your teen to change her mindset, so be patient with her.

Encourage her. Support her. Empathise with her. Listen to her. Remind her that you’ll be with her every step of the way.

As you implement the other strategies listed in this article, you’ll see improvements such that you no longer think to yourself that “my teenager hates school”.

15. Help your teen to find a mentor

Teens who detest school need some perspective on their situation.

It’s hard for teens to develop this perspective because their problems seem so overwhelming.

From their point of view, the situation might even appear hopeless.

Find a mentor for teensFurthermore, teens spend the majority of their waking hours surrounded by their peers, who have a similar worldview. This makes it even more challenging for teens to view their situation through a different lens.

Parents have a difficult time getting through to teens. This is because parents’ guidance is often perceived as nagging or lecturing.

This is the reason your teen needs a mentor. The benefits of having a mentor are well-documented, which is why I mentor teens to help them become motivated, responsible, and resilient.

Your teen is just one mentor away from making the most of his potential!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is hating school normal?

While I’m not fond of the term normal, I will say it’s common for teens to dislike things related to school.

Just remember, most teenagers aren’t rebellious for the sake of it. There’s likely a good reason for their frustrations, so it’s crucial to apply the tips in this article to get to the root of the issue.

What can I do if my teenager refuses to go to school?

It’s tempting to scold and lecture your teenagers if they refuse to go to school.

But nagging your teens won’t work. More often than not, it will exacerbate the problem.

The good news is that there are tactics you can use to deal with challenging teenagers. Read my top 10 tips for dealing with disrespectful teens here.

How do you motivate an intelligent but unmotivated teenager?

Do you feel like your teenager doesn’t work hard enough or plan for the future, even though you know he or she is intelligent?

Or maybe your teen lacks motivation and gets distracted easily?

If so, you’re not alone. There’s a huge number of parents trying to figure out how to motivate a teenager to study and perform better in school.

I have good news for you…

I’ve spoken to and worked with more than 20,000 students around the globe. I’ve discovered that the vast majority of unmotivated teenagers want to do well in school. They simply lack the necessary mindset and skills to do so.

That’s why I wrote a free e-book to help parents learn how to motivate their teens. Discover my 16 keys to motivating teenagers here.

Do most teens hate school?

While I’m hesitant to say that most teens hate school, many do.

I know it’s frustrating to see that your children dislike school. But if you work with them day by day — by implementing the tips in this article — to embrace a new attitude, you’ll start to see improvements.

Conclusion: Huge changes occur one tiny step at a time

teenager studyingNo matter how dire your teen’s situation may seem, remember that there’s always hope.

I’ve worked with teens who have gone from being unmotivated school-haters to being driven, focused, and independent learners.

Of course, the transformation to become happy, successful students didn’t happen overnight.

(I went through my own transformation as a teen, which you can read about here if you’re interested.)

But change is possible.

As is often said, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

In the same way, huge changes occur one tiny step at a time. So apply the strategies described in this article, as well as the bonus strategies you can get access to at the end of this article.

With your love, support, and guidance, your teen can experience a transformation too!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the strategies found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus strategies that you’ll only find in the PDF.

The 53 Most Positive Things to Say to Your Child

Updated on January 6, 2026 By 4 Comments

Positive things to say to your childrenDo you focus on positive things to say to your child, or do you often nag?

If you answered “yes” to the latter, you’re not alone.

You want your children to be responsible and independent.

You want them to be motivated to do well in school.

Since they’re not there yet, you instinctively nag them to correct their behaviour and attitude.

But, at the same time, you realise that all this nagging isn’t working.

Sound familiar?

If so, this article is for you.

I’ve had years of experience working with and speaking to thousands of children and teenagers. So I understand the factors that help them become mature, responsible, and successful.

One of the most important factors is how their parents talk to them. (Here’s a list of family conversation starters that you’ll find helpful.)

The words you speak to your children play on repeat in their minds (even if it feels like your kids aren’t listening to a thing you say). So positive words for your children matter.

Share words of inspiration with your kids and they’ll likely grow into more kind, responsible, and respectful adults.

Plus, the more positive interactions between the parent and child, the less likely it is that the parent will need to nag the child in order to gain compliance.

When you speak words of encouragement to your kids, it’s also more likely that a strong parent-child bond will form.

Think back to your childhood for a moment…

Do you remember any inspiring words from your parents or teachers? Those positive statements helped you become the adult you are today.

In fact, there’s a supposed “magic ratio” of 5 to 1 in healthy relationships: 5 positive expressions of feelings and actions for every negative expression.

In this article, I’ll share with you 53 positive things to say to your child so that — in the long run — you won’t need to nag them anymore!

Before we get to the list of encouraging things to say to your kids, here’s a bonus for you…

FREE BONUS


Enter your email below to download a free poster that contains the top 12 positive things to say to your children. You can print out the poster as a daily reminder of the phrases to use.

The benefits of encouraging messages for children

Father and sonIt’s hardly a secret that no matter our age, words of encouragement make us feel good. But it turns out there’s science behind why those nice words lead to long-term benefits.

In the book Words Can Change Your Brain, neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg and communications expert Mark Robert Waldman say:

A single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress… The longer you concentrate on positive words, the more you begin to affect other areas of the brain.

In other words, positive thoughts and speech affect how we feel and how we perceive the world around us.

And negative words? Those can cause situational stress and even contribute to anxiety.

Sharing positive messages with your children has an enduring influence on their mental well-being and life-long happiness.

Let’s take a closer look at a few other benefits of encouraging messages for children:

Encouraging words build self-esteem

If you regularly say positive things to your child, you’ll help build their confidence and self-esteem.

I don’t mean over-praising your kids, but providing an atmosphere that is encouraging and supportive.

Let’s say your child makes a mistake. Instead of reprimanding your child, you might say: “What happened here? We all make mistakes, so let’s talk about what happened in this situation.”

Your child will learn from the experience and be more motivated to keep working on challenging tasks.

Another benefit to building self-esteem? Children with positive self-worth tend to get better grades and achieve greater success.

That means they’ll be more motivated to do well in school — no exhausting micromanaging required.

Encouraging words support a growth mindset

Life is a continuous journey of learning, improving, and developing. We all face obstacles on our path to success. So, instead of constantly correcting your children, frame feedback in a positive light.

Remind your child that it’s the process, not the outcome, of becoming a better student that matters.

You’ll support a growth mindset, and your children will know it’s their effort that’s the most important. (Here are 10 phrases that encourage a growth mindset in students.)

Encouraging words inspire kindness and respect towards others

Our words become our children’s inner dialogue — and that impacts how they speak and act towards others. When parents focus on nice things to say to their kids, they inspire their children to spread kindness and respect.

For example, when you tell your children, “Your opinion is important,” you’re building their self-esteem and sense of responsibility.

You’re also reminding them to respect the opinion of others — a valuable skill inside and outside the classroom.

53 nice things to say to kids

Mother and sonNow that we’ve reviewed the benefits of encouraging words, let’s explore what things to say to your child.

This is my go-to list of 53 positive things to say to your child. Bookmark it, print it out, and come back to it whenever you need some inspiration!

1. “I’m grateful for you.”

Children feel special when they know you’re thankful that they’re a part of your life.

2. “What do you think?”

Ask this question to show that you value your children’s opinions.

3. “I enjoy spending time with you.”

Children and teenagers behave better when they know that you love them and like them. They’ll be less likely to rebel too.

4. “All of us make mistakes.”

Say this instead of harshly criticising your children for accidental mistakes.

5. “You’re special to me.”

This phrase will help to fill your children’s “love tank”.

6. “I appreciate it when you…”

For example, you might say, “I appreciate it when you set the table for dinner.”

7. “I trust you.”

Children and teenagers who feel as if their parents trust them are more likely to become trustworthy.

8. “You’re getting better at…”

When you notice your children’s progress, they’ll feel encouraged and motivated.

9. “Have a good day!”

This is a simple way to start the day on a positive note when you say goodbye to your children in the morning.

10. “Let me think about it.”

This is a better alternative than instinctively saying no to your children’s requests (assuming the requests aren’t too unreasonable).

11. “What happened here?”

Ask this question instead of assigning blame or jumping to conclusions, e.g. when you notice that a piece of furniture in your home has been damaged.

12. “It looks like you’re having a difficult time. Can you tell me about it?”

This is an effective way to get your children to open up.

13. “I’m sorry.”

When you’ve made a mistake, be humble and apologise.

14. “Your practice is paying off.”

BooksChildren and teenagers appreciate it when their parents observe that their efforts have yielded results.

15. “How did you do that?”

This question helps your children to focus on the process instead of the outcome, and is always one of the most positive things to say to your child.

16. “What’s one interesting thing that happened in school today?”

By asking your children this question, they’ll be more likely to open up as compared to you asking, “How was your day?”

17. “What did you try hard at today?”

This emphasises to your children that trying hard and improving are more important than achieving a specific end result.

18. “I’m sure you can do it.”

Continuing the list of things you could say to your child is “I’m sure you can do it.” Say this to your children to give them a boost of confidence.

19. “You decide.”

Children learn to make wise decisions by making more decisions, not by following the instructions of authority figures.

20. “How do you feel about that?”

This question will help your children to become more emotionally self-aware.

21. “I’m ready to listen.”

By telling your children that you’re ready to listen without judging, they’ll be more willing to share what’s on their heart.

22. “I love you.”

Children and teenagers need to know that they’re loved unconditionally.

23. “You make me smile.”

By saying this, you’ll make your children’s day.

24. “Your opinion is important.”

Your children will feel significant when you say this to them. And when they feel significant, they’ll behave more responsibly. It’s a must on any list of positive things to say to kids.

25. “You were right.”

Admit it when you’re wrong. This is one of the best ways to earn your child’s respect.

26. “I can see that you’re becoming more…”

For more positive things to say to your child, fill in the blank with “focused”, “organised”, “kind”, “responsible”, “helpful”, etc. as you observe even small positive changes in your children.

27. “I’m excited about doing this with you!”

This emphasises to your children that you actually enjoy doing things together with them.

28. “That’s a good question.”

tutor and student doing homeworkBy acknowledging your children’s curiosity, you’ll foster a spirit of lifelong learning in them.

29. “I accept you the way you are.”

Parents want to raise children who are secure and self-confident. Saying this to your children is a good way to encourage them down the right path.

30. “You’re an important member of this family.”

If you’re still wondering what to say to kids, remind your children frequently of their value and significance as a member of the family.

31. “I believe in you.”

Your children want to know that you believe in them, that you have faith in their character and abilities.

32. “I saw that you tried hard at…”

This phrase reinforces the principle that challenges are things to be embraced, not things to be avoided.

33. “Let’s do it your way.”

Show your children that your way isn’t always the only (or best) way.

34. “Can you explain to me why you did it this way?”

Empower your children to reflect on their choices and on what they’re learning.

35. “You’re learning how to…”

Remind your children that the journey of learning is what matters most.

36. “That was thoughtful of you.”

Acknowledging your children’s positive behaviour and attitude means a lot to them.

37. “Can you teach me how to…?”

Your children will grow in confidence when they realise that you have things to learn from them too.

38. “Good point.”

As your children grow in intellectual maturity and wisdom, show them that you observe this growth.

39. “I knew you could do it.”

These words of encouragement will help your children to believe in themselves.

40. “How did you think of that?”

Children and teenagers who go through such reflection will develop problem-solving skills faster.

41. “Would you like to talk about it?”

This question is inviting without being overbearing or demanding, key components of positive things to say to your child.

42. “What challenge would you like to take on?”

girl kicking football during practiceIt’s through challenges that we learn and grow, so this is one way to encourage your children to view challenges positively.

43. “I care about you.”

If you feel awkward about telling your children that you love them, start with this phrase instead.

44. “What do you think you can do about this?”

Instead of solving the problem for your children, ask this question to enable them to solve the problem themselves.

45. “Will you forgive me?”

Beyond apologising, asking for your children’s forgiveness is a powerful way to restore the parent-child relationship.

46. “Tell me more.”

This is a simple phrase that encourages your children to share their thoughts and feelings.

47. “It’s OK to feel…”

Rather than tell your children that they shouldn’t feel angry, sad, frustrated, etc. empathise with them and help them to work through their negative emotions.

48. “Shall we start over again?”

If an argument has broken out between you and your children, ask this question to start the discussion afresh.

49. “I’m proud to be your parent.”

When your children know this, they’ll want to do you proud too.

50. “What can I do to be a better parent?”

Be prepared to hear an honest answer from your children. By putting their feedback into practice, you’ll definitely become a better parent.

51. “That’s an interesting idea.”

You’ll show your children you care about their opinions and encourage their creativity and self-expression.

52. “That was really brave of you.”

Dealing with change is scary. Acknowledge your child’s bravery, and they’ll feel more comfortable taking on new challenges.

53. “It’s okay to say no.”

Teach your children to say no from a young age. They’ll grow into empowered adults who know how to set healthy boundaries.

Inspire your kids with words

mother and child doing gardening togetherBeing a parent isn’t easy. I hope this list of positive things to say to your children inspires them and helps you build a better relationship with them, too!

Try using a few of these encouraging words every week. Notice any changes you see in your children.

You might find that inspiring your kids with words fosters responsibility, confidence, and autonomy — all essential traits of motivated students.

Want even more support to raise resilient, successful children?

I offer 1-on-1 support for students through this coaching programme.

I’ll personally help your child to develop the mindset and skills they need in school and beyond.

Sharing encouraging words is a great way to motivate your child, but it’s just one of many important interactions kids need.

Learn more about how my coaching programme can help your child develop a greater sense of purpose and motivation today!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS


Enter your email below to download a free poster that contains the top 12 positive things to say to your children. You can print out the poster as a daily reminder of the phrases to use.

50 Ways to Get Your Kids to Respect You

Updated on May 23, 2023 By 6 Comments

Respect

Isn’t it frustrating?

You try hard as a parent. You do so much for your children, but they’re frequently not respectful toward you.

Sometimes they ignore what you say, or they talk back to you. They even ask you to stop nagging.

I’ve spoken to and worked with close to 25,000 children and teenagers so far, so I know how to get your kids to respect you.

When I say “respect”, I’m referring to a sense of admiration and honour that your children have toward you.

I’m not referring to your children feeling afraid of you.

In other words, if you want to get your children to respect you, you’ll need to earn it.

What is respectful parenting?

“Treat other people the way you want to be treated.”

You’ve likely heard this saying countless times before. Maybe you’ve even repeated it to your children.

We all know we should show others the respect we want to receive, but sometimes that’s easier said than done — especially when it comes to our kids.

The thing is, our children are people, too. Respectful parenting means treating them as such.

Rather than telling your children to respect you simply because you’re the authority figure, respectful parenting is about building a mutually respectful relationship with your kids — one where your children know they’re supported, heard and valued.

How to teach your kids respect

We’ve all been there…

After a long, stressful day, your children won’t stop arguing with you about one more hour of screen time.

When they badger you with the dreaded Why not, you resort to Because I said so.

It’s a quick-fix when you’re at your wits’ end.

The only problem?

Your children start to feel as if you don’t value or respect their opinion.

Now, I’m not saying you should give your kids everything they want. But when you demonstrate respectful parenting and practise positive reinforcement and reciprocity, your kids will understand the appropriate behaviour to model.

That means more respectful children — and a more harmonious family life, too.

Teaching kids about respect doesn’t have to be an ongoing battle. Let’s look at 50 tips for teaching children respect today.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

1. Respect your children

The word respectWondering how to get your kids to respect you?

Children learn from watching you, and they’re likely to copy your behaviour. When you demonstrate basic respect toward your children, they’ll demonstrate respect toward you.

Again, I’m not saying that you should let your children walk all over you. But I am saying that you shouldn’t belittle or shame them, nor should you criticise them harshly.

2. Focus more on the relationship than the rules

You don’t need to throw out the rulebook.

Just show your children that you value the parent-child relationship by speaking kindly to them and trying to understand their perspective.

3. Be a person of integrity

Be honest when talking to your children.

When they see that you’re a person of integrity, you’ll gain their respect.

4. Don’t overreact

Try not to overreact to your children’s less-than-ideal behaviour, even when you’re feeling stressed.

When you stay calm and respond appropriately, they’re more likely to respond in kind too.

5. Assume your position as leader of the home

Being a leader isn’t just about being in charge. It’s also about setting a good example and inspiring others to do their best.

Behaving like a leader also means being compassionate.

When you empathise with your children, they’ll be more open to your suggestions and opinions.

6. Share your values and beliefs with your children

You can’t force your children to adopt your beliefs. But when your children understand why you believe what you believe, they’ll recognise that you’re a person of principles.

7. Be reasonable (especially when your children are being unreasonable)

Sometimes it’s frustrating being a parent, but try to stay calm. Remember that the way you behave when you’re angry is the way they’re likely to behave when they’re agitated too.

Be the bigger person, and don’t resort to name-calling or cheap shots – even if you feel like your children deserve it.

8. Don’t be overly critical of your children

upset girl standing next to critical womanWhen parents are overly critical, their children start to resent them and become rebellious and argumentative.

Instead, acknowledge your children’s good behaviour and focus more on the process than the end result. You’ll no longer worry how to get your kids to respect you.

9. Listen to your children

Part of being respectful is listening to the other person.

When you listen to your children, you’ll find they’re more likely to listen to you.

This is especially so if you use active listening techniques, as described here.

10. Involve your children in the process of setting rules and boundaries

When you involve your children in setting rules, they feel valued.

Just like adults, children appreciate having control over their lives.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they get to set whatever rules they want. It means you’ll listen to their views and take them into account as you seek to arrive at a no-lose solution.

11. Respect your children’s privacy

As children and teenagers get older, they need more privacy.

If they feel as if their privacy isn’t being respected, they’ll become rebellious.

Just as you wouldn’t want other people reading your journal entries, text messages and emails, you shouldn’t infringe on your children’s privacy in that way either.

12. Set an example for your children to follow

Your children are watching you, whether or not you realise it.

Demonstrate the behaviour you want to see in them, and practise what you preach.

If you don’t, your children won’t respect you.

13. Acknowledge your children’s effort and good behaviour

Your children want your approval, so it’s important to recognise their effort, particularly if they’ve tried hard.

This principle applies even in situations when the outcome isn’t ideal.

When you appreciate their efforts, they’ll feel proud of themselves, and they’ll feel motivated to try hard next time.

14. Don’t discipline your children when you’re angry

When you’re angry, you’re more likely to overreact or say things you might regret.

Instead, show your children that it’s OK to be angry, but that it’s possible to manage your emotions effectively.

15. Ask for your children’s opinion

young man and woman having a conversationHow to get your kids to respect you? One powerful way is to ask them for their opinion.

They’ll feel more appreciated and respected if you do this.

You can ask them where they’d like to eat for dinner, or what they’d like to do for your family time activity.

Doing this demonstrates that you value their opinions, which means they’ll be more likely to value your opinions too.

16. Be firm but kind

Sometimes your children won’t agree with your decision. In such situations, the key to preventing arguments – and tears – is to be firm but kind.

Don’t let yourself be drawn into an argument.

Hear your children out, empathise with them, but stick to your decision if it’s an issue that’s non-negotiable.

17. Don’t assume that you understand how your children feel

When your children share their problems with you, don’t tell them that you know exactly what they’re going through.

You’ll form a better connection with them if you ask them how they feel and do your best to understand their perspective.

18. Seek to understand your children’s emotions

This point is related to the previous one. Especially when your children are displaying problematic behaviours, get to the root of the issue.

My experience tells me that, at the heart of it, it’s almost always an emotional issue, so you can’t just focus on “fixing” the problematic behaviour.

19. Establish clear expectations

When expectations are unclear, there’s room for misunderstanding.

Establish clear expectations with regard to curfew, homework, chores, family commitments, etc.

This will reduce the number of conflicts that arise between you and your children, which means that your parent-child relationship will grow stronger.

20. If you lecture your children, keep it short

It’s best to avoid lecturing your children. But if you find this to be impossible, then keep the lecture short – ideally 10 minutes or less.

If the lecture is too long, your children will tune out and just pretend that they’re listening, when they’re not.

21. Stay calm

Stay calmIf you want to learn how to get your kids to respect you, show your children that you’re able to control your emotions.

Step away from the situation if you need to, and address the issue only when you’ve regained your composure.

Conflicts never get resolved in the heat of the moment, so do your part to remain calm.

22. Don’t threaten your children

Parents who resort to using threats have more arguments with their children in the long run. They also get a lot less respect from their children.

Instead of using threats, involve them in the process (Point #10), be firm but kind (Point #16), and set clear expectations (Point #19).

23. Give your children choices whenever possible

Allowing your children to make choices empowers them. It gives them a sense of control and ownership over their lives.

It also reduces the number of arguments that break out.

For example, instead of telling your 11-year-old to take a jacket with him as he heads out the door, ask him if he’d rather take the blue one or the red one.

24. Acknowledge your children’s feelings

We all have feelings, so it’s important to acknowledge them.

Children must learn that it’s OK to have feelings, even negative ones.

Refrain from telling your children not to be sad, or that they shouldn’t feel a certain way.

Doing so invalidates their feelings, which makes them feel misunderstood.

25. Speak “positively” instead of “negatively”

Tell your children what you’d like them to do instead of what you don’t want them to do.

For example, saying “Please walk when you’re in the house” is more effective than saying “No running!”

26. Show an interest in your children’s hobbies and activities

PaintingWhen you do this, your children will know that you care about them as people.

They won’t feel as if you only care about how they perform in their academics, athletics, music, etc.

(Many of the children and teenagers I’ve worked with have told me that this is exactly how they feel!)

Showing a genuine interest in their hobbies and activities will help you build a stronger parent-child relationship.

This means that your children will be more likely to show you respect.

27. Don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions

Regardless of what has happened in the past, listen to your children’s side of the story rather than making assumptions.

This will allow you to assess the situation calmly and let them know you’ve heard them out.

As far as possible, assume the best of your children unless the evidence has clearly proven otherwise, and you’ll discover how to get your kids to respect you.

28. Have fun together with your children

Many of the children and teenagers I’ve worked with have told me that they don’t do anything fun with their parents. I wonder why this is the case!

Make time to have fun with your children, and do things they enjoy. These fun times will help you to form strong bonds with your children.

29. Don’t provide too much unsolicited advice

If your children are faced with a problem, don’t give them unsolicited advice unless absolutely necessary.

Instead, help them to reflect on the problem. Ask them how they plan to handle the situation, and encourage them to be independent problem solvers.

If they need help from you, they’ll ask.

30. Respect your spouse

You want your children to respect you and your spouse, so model the behaviour you want to see.

When you show your children that you respect your spouse, they’ll tend to show you that same kind of respect.

31. Be consistent

If you’ve already stated the consequences of a specific negative behaviour, then follow through if the rule is broken.

Being consistent lets your children know you’re reliable, so they’ll be more likely to respect you.

32. Apologise if you’ve made a mistake

SorryAnother tip for how to get your kids to respect you? When you mess up, admit it to your children.

Tell your children that you’re sorry, and explain to them how you’ll avoid making the same mistake in the future. When necessary, ask them for their forgiveness.

In doing this, your children will admire you for your humility, and they’ll understand how much you value the relationship.

33. Don’t let your children walk all over you

This doesn’t mean that you should exert your power and authority in every situation.

Rather, it means that you shouldn’t give in to your children just to avoid an argument.

Strive for a win-win situation (or a no-lose situation at the very least) whenever conflicts arise.

You’ll gain the respect of your children, and they’ll learn negotiation skills in the process too.

34. Remind your children that you love them unconditionally

One of the most powerful things you can say to your children is, “I love you no matter what.”

Sometimes children feel as if your love depends on how well they do in school or how well they behave.

It’s helpful to remind them frequently that your love is unconditional, as this will strengthen the relationship.

35. Cultivate a culture of respect in your family

Encourage your children to behave respectfully to all family members. The way you all speak to each other is the foundation of building a stable, happy home.

Show your children what it means to behave respectfully, even when there are differences in opinion.

36. Give your children freedom within limits

Children need autonomy, so when learning how to get your kids to respect you, it’s important that you give them both freedom and responsibilities.

Encourage them to be independent within certain limits. As they get older, give them more say as to what those limits are, although you’ll still retain overall authority.

37. Discuss the topic of respect with your children

Ask your children what respect means to them, and ask them what behaviour they deem to be acceptable or unacceptable.

Having such a discussion will help you to understand your children’s views on the topic.

You can then determine how best to help them develop the right values when it comes to respecting others.

38. Be respectful when you discipline or confront your children

father lecturing his sonTreat your children with respect, even when they’ve made a mistake.

Don’t shame or berate them, because this won’t empower them to learn.

When you show them respect even in such situations, they’ll develop greater respect for you.

39. Don’t take your children’s disrespectful behaviour too personally

Remember that your children are still maturing and gaining wisdom – just as all of us are.

Children and teenagers are learning to manage their thoughts and emotions. If they’re acting out, it’s a sign that they need more help and guidance.

Sometimes the answer to how to get your kids to respect you is to be the bigger person and show them grace and patience.

40. Give your full attention to your children when they speak to you

I’m sure you expect your children to listen to you when you speak. So extend the same courtesy to them.

Too many parents half-listen to their children while writing an email or checking their phone. This sends the message to children that they aren’t valued, which affects their self-esteem.

And when children suffer from poor self-esteem, they often don’t behave with respect toward others.

41. Tell your children that you enjoy spending time with them

Children need to know that you like them, not just that you love them.

If the relationship has deteriorated to the point where you don’t actually like your children, then focus on rebuilding the relationship as a priority.

42. Don’t belittle your children

Don’t talk to your children as if they’re stupid, and definitely don’t call them stupid! (If you have, refer to Point #32.)

Instead, show them that you believe in them. Assume the best of them. Celebrate their progress. Cheer them on.

If you build your children up, they’ll do the same for others.

43. Admit it when your children are right

Parent and childWhen you’re mature enough to admit that you’re wrong and your children are right, they’ll develop greater respect for you.

We all make mistakes, so it’s already obvious to your children that you’re not perfect.

Besides, they don’t expect you to be perfect.

They expect you to be a person of authenticity, humility and character.

Do your best to live up to these expectations!

44. Refrain from saying “Don’t argue with me”

When your children hear you say “Don’t argue with me”, they’ll see you as being unreasonable and illogical. This makes it hard for them to respect you.

If you’re at your wits’ end, tell your children that you need some time to think about the issue.

Restart the conversation only when both you and your children are ready to have a level-headed discussion.

45. Give your children advance notice about upcoming events

If you don’t do this, your children will feel annoyed with you, because it seems as if their schedule and activities aren’t important to you — and you’ll struggle with how to get your kids to respect you.

For example, if there’s an event that your whole family needs to attend, tell your children a week in advance.

On the day of the event, give them a couple of reminders closer to the time that you need to leave the house.

Your children will appreciate you keeping them informed, so they won’t be caught off-guard.

46. Acknowledge the progress your children are making (even if the progress is slow)

We all feel more motivated when we feel as if we’re making headway.

As such, it’s crucial that you acknowledge the progress your children are making in the different areas of life.

Refrain from talking as if they’re never trying hard enough. If your children feel as if the effort they put in is never enough, they may stop trying altogether.

And when they feel discouraged, it’s hard for them to show honour and respect toward others.

47. Choose to focus on the issues that matter most in the long run

Choose your battles.

Don’t point out every flaw and shortcoming your children have, because they’ll get annoyed and the relationship will be damaged.

Decide which issues are most important to you, and which issues you’re willing to let slide.

48. Under all circumstances, do not yell

white man yelling on the phoneWhen you yell, you’re demonstrating that you’ve lost control.

Instead, withdraw from the situation if necessary. Say something like, “I’m too angry to talk about this now. How about we talk again after dinner?”

This approach is far better than lashing out and saying things you’ll almost certainly regret later on.

49. Don’t talk as if you know it all

Your children will respect you more if you admit that you don’t know everything.

After all, they’ve probably already realised that they know more than you about certain topics.

Be open-minded, and be willing to learn from your children.

In general, children treasure every chance they get to teach you what they know, whether it’s about technology or the latest hobby they’ve picked up.

50. Keep your promises

My final tip about how to get your kids to respect you is this: keep your promises.

Children have good memories, especially when it comes to the promises you make to them.

They’ll be disappointed for a long time if you don’t keep your promises.

Furthermore, the foundation of every relationship is trust. If you forget the promises you’ve made, your children will find it hard to trust and respect you.

Frequently asked questions

What causes a child to be disrespectful?

It’s important to remember that respect is a skill your children must learn. Part of growing up is learning how to express our desires and treat others with compassion.

If your children are disrespectful, it might be because they are:

  • Learning how to manage their anger (teenage tantrums are not uncommon)
  • Struggling to communicate effectively
  • Dealing with frustrations (both inside and outside of the home)
  • Seeking independence and autonomy

Yelling at your kids or disregarding their emotions only makes these root problems worse.

Instead, learn how to get your kids to respect you by following the 50 tips for respectful parenting outlined in this article.

How do you explain respect to a child?

Ready to learn the easiest way to explain respect to a child?

Use your actions, not your words.

When you model respectful behaviour to your children, you cultivate a culture of respect in your home. Explaining respect to a child may not even be necessary!

Your children are constantly observing your behaviour — and they notice when you bad-mouth your spouse, friends, or neighbours.

So, show your kids what respect looks like, and they’ll learn the behaviour that’s expected of them.

Then, if you need to, follow Point #37 to have a productive conversation with them about what it means to be respectful.

How do you raise a respectful child?

Start by following the tips in this post. 🙂

Then, remember this:

How to get your kids to respect you comes back to respectful parenting.

You’re still setting boundaries for your children, and you’re certainly not letting your kids walk all over you.

But you’re letting them know that they’re supported, heard and valued. You’re building a mutually respectful relationship — and raising a respectful child, too.

By applying these tips, you’ll raise children who respect you

mother and daughter cooking togetherThe tips in this article are all simple things you can start practising today.

Of course, it’s impossible to implement all the tips right away.

Choose a couple of items from the list and try them out this week. The following week, try out one or two additional tips.

Over time, you’ll see huge changes.

Your relationship with your children will improve. Your children will respect you more. Your family life will become more harmonious and enjoyable.

And your children will be on their way to becoming gracious, responsible and successful people!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 5 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

10 Common Parenting Mistakes That Demotivate Your Children

Updated on May 22, 2026 By 36 Comments

Mother and daughter

Wouldn’t it be great if your children were motivated and independent learners?

That way, you wouldn’t have to nag or scold them to do their homework.

Parents often tell me how frustrated they are that their teens hate school.

They’re also concerned that this lack of motivation will carry over to other areas of life.

The problem is that parents often demotivate their children unintentionally.

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes parents make – so do your best to avoid them in your home.

(Don’t forget to download your free e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager (Cover)

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.


The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!

Mistake #1: Give your children too many rewards based on achievement or behaviour

This is a trap that many parents fall into, and for good reason. The first time you try it, it seems to work.

You might tell your children that you’ll pay them a dollar each time they get more than 85% for a class test. This seems to work because they start studying harder.

You think to yourself, “Great. Problem solved!”

Then a few weeks later you realise their motivation has waned. They complain that getting a good grade deserves more than one dollar.

An argument breaks out, and you find yourself justifying the price. You even explain that studying hard is their basic responsibility as a student.

If this describes your situation, you’re not alone.

Many studies show that rewards and punishments work in the short term, but not in the long term.

(Read on to find out what other approaches you can try instead.)

Mistake #2: Overemphasise the importance of academics

Academics

Parents think that emphasising the importance of academics will motivate their children to work hard.

The problem is that this approach doesn’t turn your children into lifelong learners.

Learning isn’t just about getting good grades. It’s also about enjoying the process.

When children enjoy learning, they become motivated to keep on learning.

Grades can affect your job prospects, but many great leaders weren’t great students. Unfortunately, many of the students I’ve worked with tell me that their parents seem to think that grades are the only thing that matters.

We now know that there are many different types of intelligence and that the education system only measures some of these.

All parents would agree that social skills, character development, and learning to relax and reflect are also important areas of focus.

When parents dismiss their children’s hobbies and games as a waste of time, they hurt their children’s feelings and damage the parent-child relationship.

Parents must value and respect their children’s activities. Dance and sport can improve kinaesthetic intelligence, and games and discussions can boost intrapersonal intelligence.

These are vital skills for children to learn and carry with them through life.

Mistake #3: Supervise your children too closely

Micromanaging your children produces similar results to micromanaging employees.

It builds resentment, damages relationships, and robs children of valuable learning experiences.

When children have the opportunity to plan their own work and take responsibility for their actions, they become more mature and wise.

They also develop independence and organisational skills that will benefit them in school and beyond.

Children who take responsibility for their actions come to understand that they have control over their life. They learn that they have the ability to create their own success in school and beyond.

Let your children know you’re there for them if they need support. But make it clear that they shouldn’t look to you for all the answers.

If they need help, provide strategies they can use to find the answers themselves.

Parents who think of themselves as facilitators rather than supervisors foster self-sufficiency in their children.

Mistake #4: Fail to create a family culture of learning

Learning

You’ve probably noticed that children copy what their parents do, more so than what their parents say.

Children are observational learners, so family culture has a big influence on your children’s mindset.

When it comes to your children’s learning, one of the most effective things you can do is to create a family culture of learning.

If your children see that you enjoy acquiring new skills and knowledge, they’re more likely to enjoy learning too.

Show your children how fun it is to be a lifelong learner, so they’ll see the value of education beyond grades.

Mistake #5: Allow power struggles to develop

It’s common for power struggles to develop at home.

They often happen over homework or what time the children wake up for school.

If this is happening in your family, take a step back and analyse the situation.

Often, the root of the problem is related to the parent-child relationship.

After all, you know that the more you nag, the less it will help the situation.

The better approach is to focus on rebuilding the relationship and your child’s sense of self-worth.

A strong parent-child relationship brings many advantages. In fact, Shawn Anchor, author of The Happiness Advantage, has found that the brain functions more optimally when you’re feeling positive.

Mistake #6: Set rules without first discussing them with your children

Know the rules

No one likes to feel powerless or as though they have little control over their lives.

Think about how you’d feel if you were told what to wear, how much TV you could watch, and when you could use your phone.

It’s reasonable to have rules at home, but I recommend that you first discuss them with your children.

Workplaces that introduce strict rules without consulting their staff often find that their staff have started to rebel.

You can avoid a mutiny at home by bringing up the matter with your children before laying down the law.

Whenever possible, have a brainstorming session where you share your concerns with your children.

Your children may even propose better guidelines than you could have thought of, so be sure to listen to their opinions.

Taking this approach will mean less frustration for everyone involved.

In addition, your children will be more likely to adhere to the rules in the long run too.

Mistake #7: Overemphasise the importance of achievement instead of contribution

Schools tend to emphasise the importance of academic results. This is a practical aspect of the education system, but grades aren’t everything.

Good grades aren’t even an accurate predictor of success. The best predictor of success isn’t good grades or a high IQ, but rather emotional intelligence.

Parents must emphasise to their children that life is about much more than grades or accomplishments.

It’s about acquiring skills and knowledge so that they can make a difference in the world.

Children can start to develop this mindset by doing something like volunteering to tutor younger students. This type of experience will show them that their knowledge can be used to help others.

As a result, these children will begin to have a greater sense of purpose. They’ll begin to look beyond themselves and be less inclined to obsess over their achievements.

Mistake #8: Talk as if your children are never putting in enough effort

Mother and son

Some parents continually tell their children that they should focus better, work harder, apply more proven study tips, and spend less time online.

These parents have good intentions, but their actions cause their children to feel as if there’s no point in giving their best effort.

The children may even feel as though they’ll never be good enough to meet their parents’ expectations.

People who believe they’re incompetent become incompetent. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”

Telling your children that they’re not putting in enough effort reduces their motivation.

What’s the alternative?

Try some inspiration and positivity instead.

Remind them of when their efforts paid off and help them to reflect on their behaviour in a non-judgmental way.

It’s important to foster a strong sense of self-worth in your children so they know they have the ability to succeed if they try hard.

Mistake #9: Fail to acknowledge your children’s progress and good behaviour

Your children care about what you think, whether they show it or not.

When you acknowledge your children’s efforts and progress, they’ll feel more motivated.

Telling them that you appreciate that they fed the dog without being asked, or that they made their own lunch for school, encourages them to repeat the behaviour.

Even if they didn’t quite achieve what they set out to, focus on the progress they made.

Let them know that you see an improvement in their handwriting from all their practice, or that you’re proud of them for submitting their homework on time.

Avoid focusing on their abilities and intelligence. Instead, emphasise things related to their attitude and effort. This will lead to more sustained motivation down the road.

Mistake #10: Focus on your children’s behaviour without getting to the root of the problem

Root cause

Parents often focus on their children’s bad habits or behaviour without digging deeper.

When children aren’t working hard enough or are behaving poorly, there are usually other factors at play.

Children who feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or worthless usually feel that they don’t deserve to be treated kindly.

They go out of their way to behave badly because they feel terrible about themselves.

This cycle is like a form of self-harm. It’s like the child is saying, “I don’t deserve to be loved, so I’ll behave badly. That way I’ll get what I deserve.”

Focusing on the behaviour doesn’t help; the underlying issue must be addressed.

Show your children that you’re always ready to listen. When they eventually share their struggles, you’ll be able to get to the heart of the issue and solve the problem.

Conclusion

We parent our children while we’re rushing out the door in the morning, or trying to get everyone fed.

As such, it’s easy to make the sorts of mistakes that demotivate our children.

Instead of feeling guilty, take action. Review the list of mistakes in this article once more, and identify the ones you’ve been making.

Take a few minutes to create an action plan.

How can you start motivating your children?

What steps can you take to inspire them to be their best?

How can you demonstrate the behaviours that you want to see in your children?

As you implement your plan, you’ll see improvements in your parent-child relationship and in your children’s behaviour too.

It’ll take work on your part, but it’ll be worth it!

(If you haven’t already done so, make sure to download your free e-book below.)

FREE E-BOOK:

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager (Cover)

Get your FREE copy of

16 Keys to Motivating Your Teenager.


The e-book has already been downloaded by many thousands of parents, so don't miss out!