You might have noticed that your child is manipulating you or at least started displaying manipulative behavior.
So, you’ve probably wondered how to combat children’s manipulative behavior. In this article, we’ll discuss the details of child manipulation and how to deal with it quickly.
Why do Children Start Displaying Manipulative Behavior?
To get rid of manipulative behavior in children, you must know what causes it. And it’s rather simple.
Children are humans with their own wants and needs. So, some children might resort to manipulation to tell what they want.
Some studies also state that children might use manipulation to get out of trouble or even assert dominance over their parents.
Shortly, children may use manipulation as a tool to express themselves or get what they want.
When Is Your Child Manipulating You?
Children are clever little human beings. So, it’s not easy to fish out when they manipulate you. But some signs hint that your child is manipulating you to get something they want.
Firstly, your child might start lying and blackmailing you. For example, your child might say: “Buy me a toy, or I won’t go to the dentist!”
Moreover, your child might start displaying emotional disconnection from you. That will make you feel inferior to your children.
Furthermore, children might start showing sad and depressed emotions, so parents feel bad and give them what they want.
What to Do if Your Child is Manipulating You?
No one wants to be manipulated, especially by their own child. So, in the following paragraphs, we’ll go over ways to stop children from manipulating you.
· Don’t Mislabel Your Children
People tend to label other people with names. But labeling is often meant negatively. So, if your child is manipulating you, you’ll label them manipulative and deceiving.
That will make you want to take more control of your child’s life, ultimately making you more frustrated.
So, you should avoid this problem and don’t mislabel your children. That will just create a negative family atmosphere.
· Addressing the Problem
Don’t be scared of your children. After all, you’re the boss of the house. So, you must always be honest with your children.
If you notice that your child is manipulating you, be direct, and tell your child that you feel manipulated. Try to understand the reasons that made your children resort to manipulative behavior.
And don’t forget to stay calm and friendly! Don’t go parent-commando-mode on your children. That will make it harder to resolve the problem.
· Giving Your Children Answers to Their Problems
As we said, children might resort to manipulation only if they want something. So, make sure to answer their needs.
Make your children know that you understand them. Be friendly, patient, and passionate about resolving their problems.
After you sit down and have an honest conversation with your children, try to give them a clear and direct answer to their questions.
For example, if your child uses manipulative behavior to get a toy, ask them why they want it. Is it because of other kids, or do they actually want to play with it?
Tell your child your decision. In that situation, it’s even better to encourage your children to deserve the toy by doing house chores.
Conclusion
As we saw, even children can be manipulative. But that doesn’t mean that you should be a strict parent.
Be open to your children, and try to understand their needs. That will make it easier to resolve any problem and get rid of their manipulative behavior.
ALSO READ: Reasons Why Parents Need to Stop Comparing Their Children to Others
