How do you handle disrespect from your kids?

2w ago1 min read

My 14yo got mouthy with me this week about something stupid. Told me I was being unfair without even listening to the actual rule. I stayed calm, told him to go to his room, and we talked about it later. Tried to explain that respect in a house has to go both ways and that him talking to me like that won't fly. I want him to think for himself but there's a line. How do you guys handle this without becoming the angry dad? Want to teach him respect the right way.

9 comments196 views

Comments(9)

MMikeRegular1w ago

This is the age where they're testing boundaries hard. I've found that staying calm and explaining consequences works better than matching their energy with anger.

BBrett M.New Dad1w ago

How'd you handle it? I'm not there yet with my kid but I'm watching older dads navigate this phase and it seems like the ones who stay patient end up with better relationships. Doesn't mean you let them disrespect you though.

RRyan M.Regular1w ago

This is the hardest age. They're old enough to have a real opinion but young enough to not understand consequence yet. Natural boundaries work better than anger. What was the original thing he complained about?

CConnorRegular2w ago

Staying calm is half the battle right there. My 14yo does the same thing and I've learned that sometimes they just need to vent before they'll actually hear you out. Sounds like you handled it the right way.

CCarl L.Regular2w ago

That age is rough man, they think they know everything. Good on you for not losing your cool though, that's what makes them respect you in the end even if they won't admit it yet.

LLuke M.Regular2w ago

The hard part at that age is not taking it personal when they're being disrespectful. I usually give myself a minute to cool down before I respond instead of reacting in the moment.

MMichaelRegular1w ago

At 14 they think they know everything. Don't back down from the line you set but also try to understand what's actually bothering them about the situation.

SScott M.Regular2w ago

Fourteen is rough. At that age they think they know everything because they just learned how to argue. The key is staying calm even when they push. Don't match their attitude. My oldest pulled the same thing and once I stopped reacting, it deflated the whole thing.

BBrett M.New Dad2w ago

14 is a rough age for the mouth. I went with the calm conversation approach rather than getting heated back. Explained why his comment wasn't cool and what I expected going forward. Took a few days but he came around.