Parenting Teens Who Don’t Respond To Authority

Parenting Difficult Teens

It can be extremely difficult to deal with a teenage child who has complete disregard for authority, especially the authority of their parents. However, this occurs all too often during the period where teens are struggling to define themselves and parents are becoming concerned about their teens’ safety. Here are a few ways to respond to a teenager who doesn’t listen to authority and to still parent well.

Remain Calm

It will do nothing for your case if you get as upset as your teen when in the middle of an argument. Remaining calm is extremely important. If you start to feel that you are getting too upset, it can help to walk away or take a break from the conversation. Once you are calm again, you can return to the matter at hand.

Be Clear With Your Boundaries and Your Intentions

Your child may not understand why you want them to come home early from a party; they may only care about the fact that no one else’s parents set a curfew and that you’re ruining their life. They may tell you they don’t care what you think or even sneak out so they can do what they want.

Being clear about what you mean and what you feel is important. Tell your child why you want them to come home early (“I want you home early because I’m worried about you and I want to make sure you’re okay.”). Then, remember to be firm and clear with your boundaries as well (“When I say early, I mean by ten o’clock.”).

Use Appropriate Punishments

For whatever reason, teens rebel, and some don’t respond to authority at all. The best way to deal with this in many cases is with a firm but appropriate punishment. If your teen doesn’t come back from their party by ten, tell them you don’t want them going at all to the next one. If they take out the car without asking, tell them they won’t be able to use it for a week.

Cracking down with extreme punishments that have nothing to do with the issue itself will only cause your teen to care less about what you say, and in many cases, push back harder against your authority. This is why coming up with punishments that are appropriate to their behavior is extremely important, rather than restricting them in every way possible because of one showing of defiance.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

10 Jun, 2017

Recent Posts

Does Military School Improve Teen Behavior?

Does Military School Improve Teen Behavior?

You and your family might be considering a treatment center for your teen for a multitude of reasons; from behavioral issues and substance abuse to a lack of discipline and disrespect for authority, treatment can present itself in many different forms.  Getting...

What Can My Teen Expect at Military Boarding School?

What Can My Teen Expect at Military Boarding School?

Considering a military school for teens can be an overwhelming decision; after all, what is your child going to experience at one of these schools? What will their day-to-day life involve? While there are many choices available to parents and caretakers when it comes...

How Do Military Boarding Schools Differ From Residential Treatment?

How Do Military Boarding Schools Differ From Residential Treatment?

It can be a struggle to determine if your child would be better suited for a residential treatment center or if they would benefit from military school. There are many factors to consider if your teen is troubled; obviously, you want them to succeed and thrive in the...

How Does Equine Therapy Work to Improve Teen Behavior

How Does Equine Therapy Work to Improve Teen Behavior

If you are looking for a possible solution to conservative treatment for your troubled teen, then it might be time to look into equine therapy. This type of hands-on therapy has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks and for many different conditions....

Can ODD Be Cured?

Can ODD Be Cured?

You're not alone if your teen has displayed anger or dismay when you or another adult has set a boundary or enforced a rule. Every single child and teenager will be disappointed and frustrated somewhere along the way, especially when they are learning how to respect...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *