Oh, to be a kid again. To have not a care in the world and think the world is my oyster once more. There are many reasons kids rebel against their parents.
I love to foster resilience and strength in my kids. But I do sometimes moan about the acts of rebellion my kids often show but I know I am just as guilty of doing the same when I was younger.
They’re trying to figure out who they are
We all have our own identity and it can take us quite a while to figure out who we are. Occasionally we will butt heads with our children in a conflict of wills and this is usually because they are trying to figure out who they are and what they stand for.
We might like to think of our children as an extension of ourselves which in a way they are but it is also important to remember that they are also their very own separate free thinking entity, entitled to their own opinions and beliefs.
Sometimes they might go through phases. Sometimes what seemed a phase may become a way of life. It is important to let our children discover this for themselves and work out who they truly are.
They’re bowing to peer pressure
Peer pressure is the absolute worst and every generation has encountered it. It can be so frustrating when everyone is doing one thing and your parents won’t let you – it can lead to arguments in the home but usually your parents are doing the right thing in not letting you do it.
This doesn’t help with friends though, mocking you for not doing something or being allowed. It can be tempting to do it anyway and rebel against your parents wishes which you know won’t go down too well.
As parents, it is important to let our children know that they carve their own way of life and just like they don’t expect us to take over their identity, they shouldn’t let their friends push their own agendas onto them either.
They lack boundaries
This certainly won’t be the case for some families but it can definitely be said for a lot of families out there. A lack of boundaries can often lead to a child feeling that their parents don’t care. They’re allowed to do whatever they want and the parents have nothing to say. The children will then do more and more out there things in order to get their parents to tell them off, just to show they care. It’s an utter shame but it does happen.
They’re not being listened to
As part of forging their own identity, they will have their very own thoughts and opinions on things. It can be hard, though, when people don’t take your opinions seriously simply because you’re young. If your child feels they have something important to say, listen to them. Make them feel appreciated and respected and they will do the same to you.
Too many boundaries
Just like no boundaries can affect a kid’s behaviour, so can having too many boundaries. If you are super strict about everything and don’t allow any leeway at all, your child is bound to retaliate at some point. Life is all about a little give and take – don’t keep taking from them; they’re entitled to have some free time and some fun too.
Can you think of any other reasons why kids may rebel?
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