...to have said no?

[BabsPym1]

7 year old DS is very wilful. Says no a lot. We've had thick snow but easing up. He wanted to wear shorts to school...it escalated into a row where I snapped, shouted, he cried. So I said fine. Then he said no to getting ready in the time frame I asked him to. Another mini row. Then he wanted to wear a particular pair of boots to school, take his school shoes, and two pairs of footie boots for his club (not knowing if it would be outside or inside). I refused, saying 4 pairs of shoes to school is too much, especially when he's got form for losing everything.

So I'm saying no. He's saying no. We're arguing. It's horrible. He's saying he hates me, I'm the worst mum.

And I'm thinking, should I have just said fine, and avoided the confrontation?

Honestly, I really have no idea how to avoid these spats without capitulating.

Am I missing something here. The child is 7, no way would I let a child of 7 have me so upset before school. And talking of school, is he wilful there, does he say no to his teacher, of he's given an instruction he doesn't like does he become all "barrister" and argues the toss. I bet the answer is no.

Thanks Dcdcdfc, that's really helpful and appreciated