23/08/2026
Are you dealing with backchat or meltdowns at home right now? 🌋
When our kids or teens lash out with disrespectful behavior, it’s so easy to lose our own tempers. But parenting author Maggie Dent reminds us that disrespect is usually just an exhausted dump of pent-up stress, anxiety, or fatigue.
Instead of fighting fire with fire, Maggie suggests using her 3 Cs to regroup and de-escalate the moment:
🧘 CALMNESS: Lower your voice, slow down, and take a deep breath. If we match their high energy, the situation instantly escalates.
🕵️ CURIOSITY: Look past the rude words and ask yourself, "What is actually driving this behavior today?" Are they hungry, exhausted, or overwhelmed?
❤️ COMPASSION: Offer emotional safety, even when it’s tough. They need to know they are loved, even when they are struggling.
💡 Pro-Tip for Parents: If you feel yourself flipping your lid, it is 100% okay to physically walk away to calm down. Once everyone has settled, come back to repair the rupture, apologize if you shouted, and use "warm coaching" to talk about better ways to express frustration next time.
We don't have to be perfect parents—just "good enough" ones! 🙌