Challenging child

[Law1]

My 4 year old daughter is a challenge. She is v bright but disobedient, cheeky, insulant, etc. she screams and shouts at me. Other times she is so loving, sweet, caring etc. i cant often control my anger with her and end up just as bad, screaming, shouting and smacking. Any suggestions on better parenting and anger management. Thanks

[Reverandfunk]

Shouldnt u have been doing the whole parenting thing from when she was old enough to walk/talk?

[Pippa68]

If you scream and shout at a child they learn that this is an ok thing to do.

Usually if you are calm and speak in a hushed voice you get somewhere! this may take some time to repair, but it will be worth it. Think about it ~ if you whisper your child will stop what they are doing to listen to you.

Smacking encourages the child to hit, too. Not just you but others too. Good luck! it's a tough job.

[DONNA1458]

have a look through this website for guidence..

http://www.supernanny.co.uk/Advice/-/Parenting -Skills.aspx

good luck x

[Reverandfunk]

And we wonder why kids run amok....

Heaven help us.

There could be parenting guides put in cereal boxes

[Pippa68]

Unfortunately kids don't come with a manual. You have all these ideas as to how you are going to raise a child only for that child to throw a spanner in the works!

[tigwig]

I know exactly what you mean, my 3 year old is the same I can see myself in her so much when she screams and shouts with her tantrums. I made a pledge that I would stop shouting at her but I usually crack after a few days because she is so annoying! I rarely smack her though. I think you just have to try hard to stay calm after all we are the adults and maybe try a star chart for rewarding good behaviour and think what they will be like behaving like that at 15.

[Ice.Maiden]

All children have their "naughty" moments, but the problem here, unfortunately, seems to be you. The more you shout at, & smack your daughter, the more she's going to copy you, which just perpetuates the situation. Does your little girl go to school yet, or to a nursery/playgroup? This'd give you some time to yourself. I had two children close together, and things weren't always easy at first, but you have to set firm boundaries, and stick to them. Rewards for good behaviour, & praise for when she uses her manners, WILL work, but you have to learn to have more patience. Refuse to be drawn into confrontation with your daughter, and speak quietly, but firmly, when asking her to do something. If children think they can get away with things, they'll push it to the limit, but just take a deep breath, and give her some rules to follow. It'll be worth it in the end. Best of luck.

[Law1]

Thanks all, I am aware my exasperated behaviour doesnt help and am trying to curb my anger. whispering sounds a good idea i hadnt though of. As for reversandfunk what a usless contribuition to this site, they have chosen to judge rather than assist!!