to think that 7 is harder than the so called 'terrible twos'?

[tinklykeys]

I have a 2yo and a 7yo. The 2 year old has never slept through the night, has no common sense, throws wobblies at a moment's notice and is very demanding. BUT she is also cuddly and affectionate and easily distracted, and at that magical age where she learns something new every day.

My 7yo on the other hand seems to have morphed overnight into a stroppy teen. He ignores me, snaps at me and pushes me away. I know he's tired and has homework and is finding his identity, but sometimes I just want my sweet little boy back. He does still like me to sit with him for a bit at bedtime, so I do that in the hope of staying connected...

I know aibu isn't really the place to ask for encouragement, but if anyone can tell me that 8yr olds suddenly become lovely again, I'd really appreciate it.

I think my issue is that everyone makes a big deal of 2 being tough, so I've been prepared, but I didn't know 7 would be so difficult!

Shit!

My 7 year old boy was a total nightmare for about a year - tantrums, strops etc, but he's gorgeous again now....DS2 is just starting to go through it, and in due course DS3 will no doubt, too. DD is also turning 10 and getting very moody and hormonal every month..deep joy.

Just keep repeating it's a phase, and this too shall pass.....!

Savage sevens!

Ds was 8 two weeks ago...I'm still waiting for the transformation.

My ds1 turned into a nightmare on his 7th birthday. He was great before that. It lasted a few months and then he came out of it again. He's just starting with the same thing at 11 though.

How old is yours Amanda Clarke?

Thanks for the super fast responses, some very encouraging ones in there!

No advice just handholding as I have a 7 year old boy as well and know exactly how you feel!

It def depends on the child. I have dd 10, ds 6, and dd 2. The 10 year old is and has always been by far the hardest work of them all!

If they strop and tantrum at seven, you get judged by the entire general public wherever you are.

If they do the same at two, slightly fewer people bat an eyelid.

So YANBU.

And Y to the seven going on teen behaviour. We are currently experiencing similar from my 8yo.

My Ds went through what you are describing 6/7 When he started juniors it all stopped. Much better behaviour. Much more wants cuddles.

Thinking back things that helped.

I did a reward pocket money..loss 10- for every inappropriate behaviour which were clearly laid down..Crying if he hasn't got his own way, tantrums...I have to say it worked.

I also gave a little bit more..They want to be grown up but aren't. Let him do something he/she doesn't already like use the hob, I now let mine play on the street with strict rules..He feels more like he is treated as a grown up..That said I have gone back to supervising him bushing his teeth as it turned out he stopped using toothpaste

www.parentdish.co.uk/kids/worse-than-terrible-twos-the-stroppy-sevens/

Yep

I have a 7 yr old, while shes still sweet and cuddle, shes an opinionated little madam. Its karma for her being such a easy going baby and toddler.

Wow nicki1978 thanks that is really helpful!!

Tali mine was a calm toddler too...thought I'd got away with it!!

She never had tantrums as a toddler, so I think I'm getting pay back, she was an easy sleeper, you think she sleeps easy now, no she doesnt.

Nope...opposite here, two was pretty terrible, 7 - just lovely.
Funny how they're all different.
Good luck!

Hmmm. Not sure. I have two seven year olds who can strop for their country when so inclined. But that's offset by the practicalities been a lot easier to deal with. Two two year olds nearly brought me to my knees.

They're very competitive about absolutely everything cuddles, so I don't miss out on those.