It’s a fact, children can be tremendous manipulators.  Some manipulation from children is harmless and often fun: :”Boy mom, you look pretty today.  Will you take me and my friends to the mall?”  Other times it can be unpleasant: “I hate you!  If you loved me, you would take me and my friends to the mall.”  Kids have a nack for turning their manipulating powers on high during the holidays.  In fact, sometimes it seems that they are taking a class in school on “How To Manipulate Your Parents.”  This ScottCounseling articles provides you with some helpful parting tips on how to turn off your child’s manipulating personality.

How To Respond To Manipulation

• Ignore the behavior: One of the best wayds to respond to a child’s inappropriate manipulating behaviors is to ignore the behavior and walk away.  Don’t even respond…just walk away.  Keep a smile on your face.
• Avoid the power struggle: Once you say “No,” tell your child, “We are not going to argue over this and we are not going to get into a power struggle.”  A power struggle can only occur if you, the parent, lets it happen.  There will be no power stuggle if you remain calm, keep your voice down and relax with the situation.  You are in control of your feelings, not your child.
• Use the right words:  Your child says, “I will love you more if you buy me a phone.”  Your response: “I will always love you, but you may not have a cell phone.”  Use simple words while you keep your voice tone kind and loving.