Have you failed as a parent when your child makes demands?

Not necessarily. Those demands may have been a call for attention. This does not necessarily mean that you have not given the child enough attention. It simply means that the child is demanding more.

What happens if the child uses the rebellion as a way to achieve more and greater demands?

Professionals know that it is dangerous to give in to the demands of airplane hijackers. Lives have been sacrificed rather than allowing demands to be met. Giving in to demands will only lead to more extreme behavior, with higher stakes. Although it may seem easier to comply with the child's wishes, it will not necessarily terminate his antisocial or improper behavior. Furthermore, you as a parent are sending him the wrong signal by showing that this behavior can bring result in meeting his demands.

Actually, you as a parent knew this already. At a certain point, you learned not to give in to your infant's temper tantrums. You taught your infant a different and more acceptable way to express his demands.

Nothing has changed. You must stand firm when your child makes unreasonable demands. You may insist that issues can be discussed as always in your household, without resorting to unpleasantness. Explain that you will not negotiate under duress.

However, be aware that you may win on the issue, but your child is likely to "punish" you by performing a foolish act.

For this reason, it would be wise to consult with a professional, indicating the direction that you would like to take. Since you are not experienced with these circumstances, you would not want to experiment on your own child!