Research on rebellious children
Over 60% of young children agreed that overly strict family rules were one of the major factors in their rebellious behavior.
Psychological reasons
The desire to conform to peer groups, explore their identity, assert control and independence, seek attention and approval from parents, and test parents’ patience is the psychological reason other than strict parenting that leads to a rebellious child.
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Can strict parenting cause depression?
It causes not only depression but also bullying, fear, low self-esteem, anger and anxiety that trigger rebellious behavior in children.
How does strict parenting affect a child?
Strict parenting deprives children of the space to internalize self-discipline, responsibility, and empathy.
What is the psychology of a rebellious child?
Kids raised strictly do things the right way only when parents are around. Or else, they tend to fall into trouble and frequently lie to come out of difficulties.
Strict parenting makes their children believe, “Power is always right”
Rebellious children obey their parents without thinking for themselves. They dodge responsibility and tend to follow only orders.
Risky behavior in teenagers
Teenagers without adult supervision engage in more risky behavior (like substance abuse, cigarette smoking, preventable injury and violence). But the teenagers who receive consistent but fair discipline engage in less risky behaviors.
Rebellion is a part of the transition to adulthood
The psychosocial controls – emotion and impulse control, resistance to peer influence, and delay of gratification in teenagers – don’t fully develop until age 25. With strict parenting, the situation gets worse.
Six strategies to deal with rebellious children
1. Warn children of possible dangers.
2. Set appropriate rules in consent with children.
3. Target bad behavior one-by-one.
4. Discuss issues and arrive at a win-win solution for both.
5. Support them to overcome loneliness.
6. Help them to develop self-confidence.
Share these strategies with other parents who you feel are in need.
You could attend a Know your child workshop to help you connect better with your child.
Inspired by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s wisdom talks
Written by: Pratibha Sharma
Reference links
Evaluating the factors affecting high school student rebellion
Related links
“Why your child does not listen to you?” wisdom by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
A parenting tip by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.