Sometimes, no matter what you do, it just seems like the kids are running the show. You know if you don’t give in, they will react badly. If you do give in, you will temporarily satisfy them, but you’re sending them the message that they are in control and they know it. If you find yourself in that situation, you’re probably ready to take back control. As daunting as it may initially seem, taking back control is attainable if you keep a following tips in mind.

1. Parents: How to Take Back Your Control
I want it! Give it to me!
No!
I don’t want to!
Now imagine you’re getting that response in the
middle of a very busy store. You know if you say the
wrong thing, your child will have an epic meltdown
that will turn every head in the store with eyes piercing
into you as other shoppers wonder just what kind of
parents allow their children to act like that in public. Sometimes, no matter what you
do, it just seems like the kids are running the show. You know if you don’t give in, they
will react badly. If you do give in, you will temporarily satisfy them, but you’re sending
them the message that they are in control and they know it.
If you find yourself in that situation, you’re probably ready to take back control. As
daunting as it may initially seem, taking back control is attainable if you keep a
following tips in mind.
Set Boundaries
Kids need reasonable limits. Set the boundaries too tight and you’re going to restrict
their ability to grow and to explore. Give them no boundaries at all and they’re going
to become lost, unsure of what’s right and what’s wrong. Boundaries teach your
children what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in your family and in the
world at large. Create a list of house rules that you expect your children to follow and
be consistent with them. Remember, however, that sometimes you might have to be
flexible with the rules. If you do not allow television before bed on a school night, you
might make an exception if your child is sick in bed with the flu and not going to
school the next day.
Do not react in a negative way
Kids are going to have temper tantrums. They’re going to scream, yell, stomp their
feet, and cry when they don’t get their way. It’s just what kids do. You can’t control
their reaction but you can control your reaction. You may be tempted to yell back or
become so frustrated you, too, want to scream and stomp your feet.
http://meta4kids.com.au 1
Copyright © 2007 Stuart Walter

2. Do whatever it takes to avoid having a bad reaction. Take a deep breath. Count to
ten. Give your dog a hug. Whatever works for you, do it. When you react badly, you
show your children that it is okay to act that way when you’re upset or stressed.
Just as important, a reaction is exactly what your children are aiming to get from you.
Remain calm and eventually your kids will learn that, no matter how big of a fit they
throw, you’re not going to budge.
Use warnings
Give your children the opportunity to succeed when they’re not listening instead of
just taking away a privilege or an activity. Use the warning to let your children know
what behavior you want them to stop and the consequence if they continue that
behavior. For example, if you don’t stop throwing the ball in the living room, you are
going to lose the ball for a day. If your children do not listen, take the ball away. If
they do listen, praise them for listening.
Use warnings and don’t use too many. One or two warnings are enough to give your
children the chance to listen to you before you follow through with the consquences.
Stick to What You Say
Kids will always push to see how much they can get away with. How you respond will
determine who’s in control. If you let your kids get away with whatever they want,
they’re going to keep doing whatever they want. However, if you offer warnings and
follow through with consequences, they’re going to learn to listen.
Maybe your kids have been fighting. Instead of asking them to please stop, firmly but
kindly tell them to stop fighting or they’re going to lose their favorite toys for the
weekend. If they continue fighting, collect the toys and give them back at the end of
the weekend, no matter how much they beg, cajole, cry, or scream. Otherwise, if you
give in to that behavior, they’re going to know they just have to act out loud enough
and long enough to get what they want.
http://meta4kids.com.au 2
Copyright © 2007 Stuart Walter

3. Be positive
If you want a positive response, be positive. If you want your child to complete a
chore, for example, say something like, “I really like when you help out around the
house.” Praise your children when they’ve done something right and use a positive
spin when they’ve done something wrong. “You’re a good kid, but you shouldn’t act
like that.” Using negativity too much risks making them feel poorly about themselves
and having them react opposite of what you want.
You can take control back from your kids. It just takes commitment and consistency.
Jump on The Train Ride with your kids and together you can learn how your family can
live happily in harmony while you remain in control and give your children the safe
boundaries they crave.
The ’Mouse cage’ is another story in the Meta4kids collection that also promotes
healthy exploration within set boundaries.
The stories also teach the parents how to act and talk to get the best results for their
kids… what is that worth to you to have control?
http://meta4kids.com.au 3
Copyright © 2007 Stuart Walter

4. About the Author
My name is Stuart Walter and I am a professionally trained
Clinical Hypnotherapist, I specialise in elite sports and business
performance. I work with people to maximise performance,
attitude and results. My clients include State, National,
Commonwealth and World Champions, within the walls of my
professional offices in Brisbane, Australia, many lives have been
transformed forever.
However, it is as a father that I continue to experience the greatest pleasure in seeing
the enormous growth and development that occurs when children are provided with
the opportunity to release the endless potential and abilities that lie within. Having
been around Hypnotherapy and natural therapies all of my life (both my parents
were practitioners), I know the abilities we all have within us.
As a parent myself, I marvel each and every day at the growth and development of
my own son as he learns, lives, explores and evolves. He makes me laugh, he makes
me cry and leaves me speechless with his antics, knowledge and ability to live and
learn.
Creating champions is in my blood and I am pleased to be able to share my passion
and abilities with you in creating the path in life for your own little champions.
Stuart Walter
Stuart Walter
Creator of Meta4Kids.
Download Here
STORY TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EXPLORING IN SET
BOUNDARIES
"THE MOUSE CAGE"
The story promotes exploration and enhances individuality within set boundaries. Set
the boundaries too close and you limit exploration... too broad the boundaries and
kids become lost.
http://meta4kids.com.au 4
Copyright © 2007 Stuart Walter