THE OBEDIENT PARENT

The “obedient parent” refers to a a parental figure who gives in to the child’s demands to avoid conflict or reduce stress.

Here’s what the term often implies:

How does the parent yield to the child?

• Gives in when a child tantrums or resists
• Avoids setting or enforcing boundaries
• Says “yes” to prevent arguments
• Worries about upsetting the child
• Feels guilty enforcing rules
• Tries to be a friend rather than an authority figure

What leads to this unhealthy way of parenting

• The parent is exhausted or overwhelmed
• The parent fears conflict
• The parent wants to maintain a positive relationship
• The child is strong-willed

Consequences

For the parent:

• Resentment
• Feeling abused
• Feelings of failure

For the child:

• Inability to take no for an answer
• Trouble respecting rules
• Problems with authority at school or socially
• Increased defiance and disrespect for parents

If your  are having trouble dealing with a difficult child in this kind of scenario, be comforted. Help is available. Working as therapist and program director for over thirteen years at a treatment center for troubled teens provided valuable experience and knowledge about how to resolve these problems. If you would like to explore this, please feel free to call 219-309-3928 for a brief free consultation. It would be an honor to be of service.

For more thoughts click Parents vs. Kids

Thanks for reading!