Defiant children need tougher parenting. Right?

Educational myth 10:

Defiant children need tougher parenting. Right?
Defiant children need tougher parenting. Right?

That's what the expert says:

«Setting boundaries is central to parenting and is part of a parent's job. You have to be able to put up with a child rebelling against parental boundaries, being frustrated and taking their displeasure out on their parents. If you have this ability, you don't need the thousandth parenting guidebook. However, a certain degree of flexibility is important when setting boundaries - you shouldn't stubbornly set boundaries according to an Excel spreadsheet.»

Philipp Ramming ist Fachpsychologe für Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie und Psychotherapie. Er ist Präsident der Schweizerischen Vereinigung für Kinder- und Jugendpsychologie und Vater von zwei erwachsenen Söhnen.
Philipp Ramming is a psychologist specialising in child and adolescent psychology and psychotherapy. He is President of the Swiss Association for Child and Adolescent Psychology and father of two adult sons.

All parenting myths at a glance:

Parenting knowledge instead of parenting myths!
You can find all the myths in our dossier: 15 parenting myths

Read the answers to 15 parenting myths here:

  • Good grades should be rewarded with money
  • Withdrawal of mobile phones as a punishment makes sense
  • A child with a lot of freedom becomes more responsible
  • Only children are spoilt and can't share
  • Kids who fight become criminals
  • Arguing with your children makes them quarrelsome
  • Children should not be forbidden to do anything, otherwise they will become little rebels
  • Lots of toys make a child feel loved
  • Children of divorce are incapable of relationships
  • You can no longer educate 13-year-olds
  • As parents, you should also be your children's best friends
  • A child should receive a smartphone from Year 1
  • Children who receive early support become more successful
  • A slap in the face has never hurt a child
"150 questions - 150 answers on parenting, family and school". In the 132-page guide, 51 experts have their say. New subscribers receive the booklet free of charge. A single issue costs CHF 14.90 plus postage; you can order it here.
"150 questions - 150 answers on education, family and school".
The 132-page guidebook features 51 experts. New subscribers receive the booklet free of charge. A single issue costs CHF 14.90 plus postage; you can order it here.

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