So how can we tell?

I Hate You

What do you do when your child screams, “I hate you!” First of all for a child to actually articulate that to a parent is actually more an indicator of disrespect than actual hate. What your child may actually hate is that he or she can talk to you that way. At this point, you have already given up too much ground in the relationship somewhere along the line.

Here is what you do. You will need to pause and assure your child that if he or she wants to articulate a genuine hate for you- you will allow it, but only when they are calmer. However, you will no longer allow such venomous disrespect to spew from them without quick and firm consequences. This might also be the time to seek the help of a qualified counselor.

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