He Said What??? How to Deal With Your Child’s Back Talk

Think of the answer to this question... When your teen makes a snide or nasty comment, what do you do? Many parents try to ignore (pick your battles) and others face it head on with their own snarky remarks... there are also many other types of reactions between these two extremes. 

I suggest you do not allow your teen to back talk.. these are the formative years when they are learning how to interact with others. Habits and attitudes are being formed. If you ignore the nasty comment you are sending the message that it is okay. Also, your teen then might not even realize how they come across to others when back talking. It is important to add that not all snide comments need to be addressed. As I said earlier, pick your battles; each family has their own tolerance level. Decide on yours and stick to it. 

One good suggested response could be, “That is not an acceptable way to speak to me.” They should then apologize and change the way they respond. Make this a family rule and your teen will know it is just not allowed. Have your teen ask themselves, “Would I talk like this to my teacher/grandparent/clergy..”

Important Notice: The information presented above is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional to discuss your unique situation. If you would like to talk with me about it, you may call my office at 914-329-5355.