Calm Parenting Podcast Kids Who Push Buttons, Roll Their Eyes, or Argue Like Attorneys? Try These 5 Scripts. #541
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Dec 3, 2025 Explore effective strategies for handling kids who thrive on provoking reactions. Discover how to shift from reactive parenting to a more thoughtful approach by recognizing triggers. Learn how small, sincere apologies can model humility and maturity. Gain insight on nurturing curiosity and praise rather than resorting to lectures. Kirk shares concrete, actionable scripts to respond firmly and consistently to disrespect while understanding the underlying needs of your child. Enhance family dynamics and improve relationships through intentional communication.
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Eye Roll That Controls The Room
- Kirk describes a common late-afternoon scenario where a daughter rolls her eyes and parents escalate into argument.
- The short eye-roll ends up controlling both parents and escalating the household conflict.
Button-Pushing Is A Power Problem
- Children push buttons because it works and because parents have buttons to push.
- Changing your responses removes the leverage children use to control family dynamics.
Refuse To React
- Refuse to react when your child pushes your buttons and take control of your own behavior.
- Smile as a reminder you will remain the grown-up and will not be drawn into power struggles.