help with my 4yr old - attitude

[ilovedjasondonovan]

Ok, so my eldest DD is at school and will be 5 this July, so she's a little one in school.

For the past few weeks she has developed this 'attitude' shall we say. Starting to answer back and generally be uncooperative.

I know that 6 yr old girls are known to be bossy, is this the start of it at 4?

I'm just wondering whether its a school thing or a normal developmental thing that happens when they grow up? because right now I don't want to go and pick her up after school today.

I also need help in what 'grown up'things to try and do with her when she gets back from school. She has a 2 (almost 3) yr old sister as well, so I have to find something they both like to do in the witching hour that won't make tears.

Any help would be much appreciated. I've got to dash to toddler group now, but will be back later.

Ta muchly.

Oh this sounds so familiar!!! DS1 is 4, 5 in July and DS2 his 2, 3 in April. DS1 can be stroppy, bossy, unco-operative, bordering on rude, etc. I generally put it down to tiredness and after school can be hell. DS1 generally bosses poor DS2 around and this is OK if DS2 is in a co-operative mood (rare in a toddler I know!)

My two love construction and this is often the activity that will keep them both occupied for the longest. We've got 'grown-up' construction like lego and meccano which DS1 enjoys and also duplo and larger bricks which they both enjoy.

Sitting at the table doing playdough or colouring will keep them occupied for short periods but often needs supervision.

I'm afraid when it all gets too much and I'm trying to get tea ready and look after DS3 who is 8 months then on goes the TV

Thanks Lori - its nice to hear that its not just me who is suffering this. Well, not nice, but you know what I mean.

Today she seems, since coming back from school, normal. Hopefully this will last.

DS3 as well, wow - you are doing well.

I have DS1 just 5 and DD2, 2.3. DS1 can be very like this, a combination of tiredness, "attitude" from the playground and mummy manipulation (which he's very good at...)
My key survival strategy is not to have to cook dinner (slow cooker/ reheat previosuly cooked meal), so I am there to arbitrate between them on a bad day and encouragingly join in games on a good one
Our favourites: lego/ duplo; farm/ zoo; "going on holiday"