Most parents are well-intentioned and want the best for their children. Despite this, there are times and circumstances when parents begin feeling out of control and struggle to manage their children’s behavior. When behaviors begin all of a sudden, this is usually the result of something going on within the child, something going on in the parent-child relationship, or a combination of both.
Although some parts of treatment are geared toward working with the child, successful treatment relies on working with the parents. The child likely needs to feel heard and work through the triggers for their behavior, while parents work on tightening up rules and consequences and setting firmer expectations. Since parents are really at the top of the pyramid, the discipline and expectations need to come from them. When this happens, respect often increases and family dynamics shift for the better.
