How long do the defiant phases last and when are they over?
The defiant phases not only begin at a different time for each child, but also end differently. On the one hand, this is related to the individual character and development of the child and on the other hand, it also depends on the behavior of the parents. It can even lead to different behavior within a family with siblings, since siblings are also completely different and the parents, for example, behave differently with the second child than with the first-born.
If the parents respond to their child in a phase of defiance and set clear boundaries and rules for the child, to which all educators consistently adhere, the phase of defiance is quickly over for many children. The children learn that the tantrums and outbursts of anger do not help them to achieve the desired goal. Accordingly, they stop this strenuous behavior quite quickly.
It is especially important that the parents do not give the child the will in such a behavior, because otherwise the child will notice this and act again to get what it wants. Furthermore, it is beneficial to give the child, within certain limits, the freedom to try things out, so that it can live it out and does not have to have seizures. For most children, the phase of defiance is over by the age of four and peace returns to the family life.
All articles in this series: