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5 Tips For Dealing With Defiant Teens

Losing Hope With Your Defiant Teen? Heed This Advice
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Many parents have a difficult time knowing what to do with their defiant teens. Sometimes it might seem like all of your efforts are worthless, and attempts at understanding only lead to greater conflict and distrust. Indeed, miscommunication and tension between parents and teens can send young people further down the wrong path. However, conscientious attempts by adults to subtly change the aggressive nature of a household and a relationship can trigger greater empathy between parent and child and lead to long-lasting improvements in a teen’s behavior.

For your consideration, Huff/Post50 presents our suggestions on 5 tips for dealing with a defiant teen:

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Before You Go

5 Tips For Dealing With Defiant Teens
Root Cause(01 of05)
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Trying to find out the root cause behind a defiant teen's rebellion is a great step in a positive direction. Your teen may be having problems with a friend, a girlfriend/boyfriend or a teacher and misdirecting their emotions at you. Try talking with them about what could be causing the behavior. (credit:Alamy)
Keep Your Teen Busy(02 of05)
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Teenagers who are involved in activities tend to have a more positive outlook and stay out of trouble at a larger rate than those who aren't. (credit:Alamy)
Spend Time With Your Teen(03 of05)
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It's easy for parents to get caught up in issues relating to work, finances and the day-to-day hassles of managing a family. It's important, however, to remember to spend quality time with your child a have meaningful conversations. Teens often act out when they feel they're being ignored. (credit:Alamy)
Pick Your Battles(04 of05)
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As a parent, it's not uncommon to be at odds with your child. But it's important to make distinctions between those battles that are worth fighting and those that could be best described as vehicles for general contention. Ask yourself, is this argument necessary or can it be put aside? (credit:Alamy)
Deal With Issues Together(05 of05)
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Despite what your teen may say, they do not prefer dealing with their issues alone. Making a consistent effort to talk to your teen and listen to what they have to say -- offering advice only when appropriate -- can go a long way toward showing them that you're teammates and not opponents (credit:Alamy)
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