533: When Your Child’s Behavior Scares You

Have you ever looked at your child and wondered, Where in the world is this behavior coming from? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by big emotions, difficult behavior, or a child you just can’t seem to figure out, this episode is for you. Karen and Emily share practical insight and tools to help you better understand your child and respond with confidence instead of frustration.

Episode Recap:

• Sign up for SOAR today!  (1:32)
• My 10 yr old is so domineering that other kids don’t want to play with him (3:44)
• My ADHD daughter cannot control her temper and hits frequently (5:39)
• My son has been horribly mean to us lately, what could be wrong that he has started to treat us this way? (10:05)
• It’s okay to pause and remind your kids of your family’s rules (13:25)
• When we discipline our son, he takes his anger out on our Sheetrock (18:09)

Scripture: James 1:19-20 (NIV)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What behavior in your child scares/worries you the most right now? Are you dealing with what’s actually happening, or are you catastrophizing about where it could lead?
2. Karen talked about knowing her children’s sin tendencies. Do you know your child’s? Have you asked God to show you what’s really going on in their heart?
3. When your child loses control, do you tend to lose control too? What would it look like for you to pause before responding?
4. Is there a behavior you’ve been excusing that actually needs a clear boundary or consequence? What do you need to address this week?

Resources:

• Use code WT20 to get $20 off SOAR registration today! 
• Listen to past ADHD specific episodes: 207, 208, 530
• Reach out to have Karen come speak in your community.
• Become a WT+ Insider this month and get an exclusive SOAR discount! 

Want More of This Conversation?
During Wire Talk+, Karen pulls back the curtain on what discipline really looked like in the Stubbs home, plus she and Emily talk about how to keep from catastrophizing when our kids’ behavior scares us.

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