So you happened to be standing in earshot of your 13-year-old’s phone conversation, and you see her shrug her shoulders, roll her eyes and hear her say, “I’m about to hang up on you. I’m not interested in what you’re saying.” At first it seems normal. Regular hormonal teenagers are talking. But then you realize that you say that same phrase all the time right before you hang up on your boyfriend.
Naturally, teenage daughters are going to go through hormonal and overall life changes as they adjust to becoming young adults. But when your teen is using your go-to phrases and not the positive ones, it makes you wonder. Could your negative attitude be rubbing off on her? Remember: Although your teen daughter may not admit it, she looks up to you and wants to be like you.
Here are some signs that you may be walking around with an attitude problem and not realize it. Eventually, it could rub off on your offspring:
People Tell You All The Time
If friends, family and even strangers have said over and over that you need an attitude adjustment, you might want to take a step back and look in the mirror.
Everyone Irritates You
If most people and things get on your nerves, then guess what, it may be you and not them.
Nothing Ever Goes Your Way
Are you one of those people that feel like the world is deliberately against you?
You’re Always Right
Not ever thinking you are wrong says a lot about your attitude concerning life. Plus, people that are always “right” are not the easiest to get along with, and you want to show your kids that you can get along well with others.
If you can relate to any of this and think you could use a little improvement, try these tips:
Identify What You Want To Change
Your first step is figuring out what aspect of your personality you wish to change. Then after that, try and think about why you are that way. Have you been like this your whole life or is it because you just lost a loved one? If you can identify what’s causing your attitude that might help you tackle it.
Get An Accountability Partner
Have a partner, or even your child bring it to your attention the next time you are serving major ‘tude.
Try To Catch Yourself Each Time
The next time you want to suck your teeth, roll your eyes, or tell someone they’re an idiot, stop, take a deep breath and choose to behave differently. Eventually, if you keep making better choices in the moment, it will become a habit.
Choose The “Right” Company
If the people around you possess all of the negative traits you want to change, then how will your growth be possible? This part requires assessing the folks in your life who are important and beneficial and the ones who are not. It doesn’t mean that people have to be cut off cold turkey, but you can at least scale back from certain individuals.
