There are several ways to go about helping turn around the attitude in your child. I would like to talk about one way briefly and that is to take control as the parent.

Unfortunately not all parents assume this responsibility. We need to give specific directions instead of requesting things from our children. We need to show our children that we are the boss and we make up the rules. I don't mean in a mean way. You can do it in a nice way.

Ever heard of the phrase "fake it till you make it?" Well, when you sound like you are in control of your kids you are getting very close to doing it right. This is critical to do because if you don't step up to the mark your kids will take over control by default.

When a child doesn't do what you ask them to do, you need to say to them, "what are you supposed to be doing?" Then the next thing you need to say is "do it". This makes sure that the child knows exactly what they should be doing. Then there can be no excuses.

It can be horrible when a child tries to engage in a power struggle about what they should or shouldn't be doing. But there is a secret in all of this. When you tell them what they should be doing, then you should turn and walk away to disengage with them. You don't want to give them the opportunity to talk back to you.

If there is no-one there to argue with, chances are there will be no argument. And don't ever ask your child for an explanation as to why they haven't done something they should have done. This actually trains our kids to give us excuses for things and we don't want them to get used to giving excuses. If you don't ask your child for an excuse it is not likely they they will try to give you one.

That was just one more simple way to turn around your child's attitude quickly and easily. And remember, the change must always come from the parent first.