Tips from the Parenting Assistance Line of the University of Alabama list establishing and using clear consequences, choosing actions over words and implementing positive responses as ways for parents to manage difficult behavior. Consistent rules and discipline are essential, as children regularly test boundaries and consequences.
Children need to understand exactly what parents expect and what happens if they do not comply; for example, if the child does not finish homework before dinner, he cannot play video games after dinner.
Parents who set negative expectations get negative behaviors. Instead, using positive reinforcement by telling a child, "I appreciate your ability to make good choices," may turn the difficult child into a compliant child.