Parenting Roundtable: What to Do When Kids Say “NO!”

“NO!” It’s the dreaded word for many parents, and one we may hear far too often. For many children, it may be just a phase. But how do you, as a parent, manage this behavior and encourage a more positive response? And how do you know when your child’s behavior may be leading towards a more serious issue? 

Licensed child psychologist Cassandra M. Faraci, Psy.D., of the Center for Anxiety and Behavior Management in Chester led a discussion at The Willow School on January 24 about the different types of child noncompliance and defiance, including strategies to help parents manage and prevent this behavior.

Dr. Faraci began the talk by identifying what types of defiant behaviors go beyond the norm and offered strategies to modify behaviors in a positive way. Dr. Faraci answered a number of parent questions, from queries about how to handle rewards to how schools can better partner with parents to how to get through the most stressful parts of the day, like the time before school and late at night, when most negative behaviors take place. 

For more tips from Dr. Faraci, read this blog: 6 Strategies for Increasing Children’s Positive Behaviors. Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Faraci!