Greetings
I have a very good friend who has a 6 1/2 year-old little girl who was recently diagnosed with dyslexia.
My friend has a very hard time disciplining this little one. She constantly whines, throws temper tantrums, interrupts adults, constantly handling things that belong to other people, and is ALWAYS in one's face! She is VERY annoying and unpleasant to be around. She's been disrespectful to my sis and me at my house. (She spit at me twice and disrupted a dinner party I was having.) Even when her mom tells her not to do something or tells her no, for any reason, she throws these horrible tantrums. On one occasion, when I was present, she was sent to her room and my friend locked her in. She started to kick the door and made a dent. My friend finally had enough and gave her a GOOD spanking. It did nothing to her. They live with Grandma and she ,you guessed it, is nasty to Granny too. My friend's sis and Granny are constantly telling her about what a poor job she's doing with the imp and of course, my friend gets offended and complains to me about the harping. I have to say I agree with Granny. I'm not a mommy, so I feel a little out of place giving her advice on how to discipline. Any Advice?

Dyslexia doesn't create behavior problems. I'm guessing poor parenting is doing this, especially if the mom decides a "GOOD spanking" will solve the problem (which it didn't ). The child needs to have boundaries set and consistently kept as well as an improved relationship must be established between mother and child. Is there a parenting class taught anywhere in the area, say, at a local hospital or college?

With limited information this is just a guess, but does your friend spend a lot of loving, nurturing, interactive time with the "imp"? This behavior is often the result of a lack of love, affection, and attention. Great interactive event ideas: zoo, nature walks, walk in the park, reading stories, teaching child to ride bicycle, etc. If the little girl is dyslexic, she might have trouble staying focused on one activity. This will take a lot of patience. Try to find what the child's interests are and involve yourself in them in some way. When she misbehaves, be firm and unwavering. This child sounds like a lot of work, but her ability to manipulate every adult in her life shows signs of high intelligence. As the parent, be loving yet strong. The child will respect your strength and will be grateful for your love.

With limited information this is just a guess, but does your friend spend a lot of loving, nurturing, interactive time with the "imp"? This behavior is often the result of a lack of love, affection, and attention. Great interactive event ideas: zoo, nature walks, walk in the park, reading stories, teaching child to ride bicycle, etc. If the little girl is dyslexic, she might have trouble staying focused on one activity. This will take a lot of patience. Try to find what the child's interests are and involve yourself in them in some way. When she misbehaves, be firm and unwavering. This child sounds like a lot of work, but her ability to manipulate every adult in her life shows signs of high intelligence. As the parent, be loving yet strong. The child will respect your strength and will be grateful for your love.

She actually does spend A LOT of time with her. And as far as affection for the first 18 months of her life she NEVER put her down once! She always had her in her arms! And yes she is a highly intelligent little girl. But she's highly annoying to be
Around as well! I think she thinks her little one isn't that bad. I was at a restaurant with them once and she started with her antics. It got so bad, I got up and apologized to the people sitting next to us, and walked out to wait for them outside!

It sounds like your friends daughter has A.D.H.D, You should talk to your friend about this and consider seeing a doctor, who will give the little girl some simple tests to see if she has it. I don't believe dyslexia has anything to do with her destructive tantrums. If she dose have A.D.H.D then her behavior is not her fault and you should learn to have patience with this child like you said you do not have children. So I don't really think you have a right to be judgemental towards this little girl. The trick I use with children who show signs of A.D.H.D or have been diagnosed with A.D.H.D is Arts and Crafts. Give the child something to concentrate on drawing helps a lot or talking to the child and listening. I have a nephew with A.D.H.D and I've also worked with children with A.D.H.D. And Arts and Crafts has always helped a child in the past in my own experience

It sounds like your friends daughter has A.D.H.D, You should talk to your friend about this and consider seeing a doctor, who will give the little girl some simple tests to see if she has it. I don't believe dyslexia has anything to do with her destructive tantrums. If she dose have A.D.H.D then her behavior is not her fault and you should learn to have patients with this child like you said you do not have children. So i don't really think you have a right to be judge mental towards this little girl. The trick i use with children who show signs of A.D.H.D or have been diagnosed with A.D.H.D is Arts and Crafts. Give the child something to concentrate on drawing helps a lot or talking to the child and listening. I have a nephew with A.D.H.D and iv also worked with children with A.D.H.D. And Arts and Crafts has always helped a child in the past in my own experience

Yes, I think you may be right. My friend has mentioned this in the recent past, but I don't think she will follow through. She's a strong proponent of herbal medicine.
The little girl loves to draw, but she loves using a large canvas, such as the living room wall...

The little girl loves to draw, but she loves using a large canvas, such as the living room wall.....
So then good parenting is done. A parent puts up a large sheet of paper, maybe on an easel, and skillfully guides the child to paint in the appropriate place.

A good parent is one step ahead of the child.

Am sure there will be a herbal medicine to help the little girls needs. If not tell the mother to cut down on what she feeds her daughter stop giving her stuff that's high in sugars.
And as the drawing on the walls, that is the mother to blame. I'd never allow for my child to do that. A.D.A.D OR NOT. The mother sounds like she may need some help with parenting skills. As from what you have wrote, personaly to me the child sounds like she isn't reseving the love and care she needs. Attention helps an A.D.H.D CHILD a lot... but love helps more.

Needs to do the spanking on a more constant schedule. Not to allow it to happen and have exact punishments. Time out and if she will not then spank, a spanking when done properly and done when needed will stop most issues like this.