Name: Stressed Mom

Tucker, GA

Number of kids: 1

Ages of kids: 12

Problem: My son argues constantly with me when I say anything or tell him to do anything. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Solution submitted by Petra007 from Wells, ME: I think Bahama's solution (below) is a pretty good one for Stressed Mom. We have to remember who the parent is, and who should have the control. When you start to argue back with the child, you lose some control. They have gotten you where they want you. But if you patiently, calmly, and assertively say, "there's no argument concerning this subject -- end of discussion," and leave it at that, then the child can accept this or not. If not, then they can be upset in their own room. After a while, he or she will realize we mean what we say. I think a lot of times, kids feel that if they can pull us in to an argument, we may "give" a little after a while. I know I used to. Mostly because I was tired of arguing. Now I realize, I had lost the control.

Another solution submitted by Bahama from Swartz Creek, MI: I have a 12 year old who argues with me constantly also. I've been trying different things to combat this. The one that seems to be working right now is not arguing back. I found myself arguing right back with her because it is so frustrating. Now I just keep a straight face, state the facts, and go about my business. It doesn't work at first, but soon they realize they are not getting any response from it. And remember, they DO grow out of this. (At least that's what I'm hanging on to) haha!