Power Struggles

What do you do? Here are some routines you can learn that will help you avoid power struggles with your teenager:

• Determine what the consequences will be before an inappropriate behavior happens.
• Use an Action Plan if necessary.
• Learn to speak in a calm but firm tone. Keep the lines of communication open. Yelling and screaming never helps.
• Take deep breaths, count back from 100, and remember the goal is to have a happy, healthy young adult when you are done.
• Be consistent with the limits and rules.
• Use natural and logical consequences. Be firm and stick with them.
• Expect non-compliance. Testing the limits is normal behavior for a teenager.
• Listen to their feelings and keep an open mind. You still have the ability to say no, so why not listen to what they have to say.
• Stay rational – you are the adult. If need be, take a 'time out' yourself.