Children learn so many things in school. Besides academics, they learn how to cooperate with others, how to show empathy, and how to share. Unfortunately, they may also bring home some things you’d prefer they didn’t learn. “How do I handle my child’s new attitude?” you may wonder. These suggestions give suggestions for confronting the attitudes without damaging the relationship with your child.

The first time your child starts displaying a new attitude, ask them some questions. Who have they been hanging around with at school? What is causing their new attitude? Are there problems they’re trying to deal with that are causing these attitudes?

If their new attitude is not acceptable, don’t go ballistic about it. Stop them and tell them that it’s not acceptable, but don’t yell at them. Are they using language that is offensive and not used in your home? Are they being smart with you, which will only get them in trouble? Explain your reasons why this attitude isn’t acceptable.

The next time the new attitude makes an appearance, be sure to follow through with the consequences. You may have to sound like a broken record for a while, but consistently doling out the consequences each time they show off the offending attitude will help them learn to stop using it quicker.

What do you do if the reason for their new attitude is a new friend? Invite the friend over and spell out your rules and what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. If they’re influencing your child to use bad language, tell them that bad language isn’t allowed in your home. If they can’t follow your rules, then they won’t be welcome in your home again. If they can follow your rules, they’re welcome back.

If you’re clear about your expectation while your child’s friend is at your home, you may find that you can actually influence them. Perhaps your family’s standards will have a positive influence on your child’s friend. That would give you reason to rejoice (as long as your child’s bad attitudes revert to how they acted before). Don’t hold your breath, though; chances are things will stay the same.

Your goal is to maintain an open line of communication with your child and to help them stop any new attitudes from affecting your relationship. Treat them with respect and expect that they do the same for you. When you wonder “How do I handle my child’s new attitude” you’ll have these suggestions to refer to.