The Worse My Child Behaves, the More I Need to Listen.
Apr 15, 2026
The worse my child behaves, the more I need to listen.
This goes against every instinct we have as parents.
When our child is rude, defiant, or completely shuts down, we want to correct it—fast. We want to lecture, fix, punish, or shut it down. Because on the surface, it looks like disrespect or attitude.
But difficult behavior is often a signal and not intentional..
It’s a symptom of an internal struggle.
You don’t know what that struggle is — and your child likely doesn’t know either. Yet.
It’s frustration that doesn’t have words yet.
It’s overwhelm that spills out sideways, an emotional overflow.
It’s hurt, disappointment, anxiety, or isolation showing up the only way your child knows how to in that moment — by being reactive.
That doesn’t mean we ignore the behavior.
It means we get curious before we correct.
(Remember “connection before correction” in a previous email?)
Listening isn’t agreeing.
It doesn’t mean endorsing poor behavior.
It means slowing yourself down enough to understand what’s underneath it.
Because when a child feels heard, their defenses start to drop.
And when their defenses drop, real change becomes possible.
So yes — address the behavior. Hold your boundaries.
But first… listen.
And then listen even more. ♥
Schedule your complimentary Parent Transformation Session. Just you and me. Solid communication is the way in. Schedule HERE.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive a free communication guide (10 Things to Avoid Saying to Your Teen) and the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
