How can I prevent DD from being so mean?

[metrobaby]

My DD is in year 6, but recently has taken to being unkind by name calling and putting her siblings down. She also makes sarcastic barbed comments. DH and I do not do this, so I am not sure where she gets this from. My younger DD and DS are confused as they are not used to this either and get very upset by her comments.

We have explained to DD many times, that name calling hurts people's feelings and is not acceptable. We have also tried docking pocket money - but neither approaches are working. Any ow other ideas how best to deal with this?

If docking her pocket money, doesn't work, think of something she really values or enjoys and confiscate or ration that?

She is of an age where hurting siblings feelings will be met with a shrug. Tell her it's unnacceptable full stop, also not what you expect from someone about to go up to senior school.

They do a lot of growing up in Y6 but being a stroppy mare needs squashing with lots of love & attention in equal measure.

Could you or DH give her some time on her own away from the young'uns occasionally, even if it's just slobbing together watching a DVD or making some cakes? It's hard work being big sis sometimes!

I remember when I came home from school once using the language I used at school, my mum said that "I was not to bring that language home and that it was to stay in the playground!" It wasn't swearing, just school kids banter.

It's worth asking if she's got some new friends or acquaintances, or maybe feeling a bit intimidated at school by her peers, and therefore bringing some frustration home with her? Or that she's made some 'friends' in a lower year...

It may be that being in year 6 is starting to sink in and that she's seeing things from a slightly new perspective, making her feel confident and in control?

Whatever it is it'll either settle down or go supersonic