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Disobedient 6-Year-Old Daughter Causing Problems at Home

Question:

Please help me! I just can't seem to discipline my 6-year-old daughter. She is very disobedient and puts up a fight every time I want her to do something. For example, she throws a tantrum every morning before school about wearing her socks and shoes — as soon as I finish putting them on her, she takes them off.

Answer:

Daughter with hands over her ears, ignoring parent

Many 6-year-olds go through phases where they test the limits and see what they can get away with.

To help limit these fights, it would be a good idea to have your daughter help you pick out her next day’s clothes,​ socks and shoes in the evening before bedtime. This way, she gets to help decide what she will wear and knows what she has to put on in the morning.

Also, try to hold her accountable for her behaviors. If she starts to throw a temper tantrum, tell her that you will not talk ​with her until she has calmed down. Then walk away and leave the room, and do whatever you need to do to stay calm and not give attention to her or her misbehavior. When five minutes has passed, check on her. If she’s calm, talk to her and tell her you can help with whatever is bothering her. If she starts acting out again, leave her again.

The approach will take a lot of practice and patience, but once you establish a routine, your daughter will learn what behaviors you expect from her and behave in the proper way.

 

 

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