This is a question too many parents are asking these days. And it seems the age at which this problem manifests is getting younger and younger.
Let's look at some of the apparent reasons for this:
- Peer pressure. Kids tend to emulate what the "other" kids are doing so if they observe their friends being disrespectful to their parents, this makes it easier for them to follow suit.
- Turbulent school environment. If the scene at school is rough and kids are learning not-so-wonderful character traits, this can rub off at home.
- Parents not around. When both parents work or spend too much time away from home, some children find ways to let their parents know they object to this. Disrespect may certainly be one of these ways.
Each one of the above most certainly can be factors, but let me suggest another possibility:
