Bossy and rude 4.5 year old

[ohbugrit]

What's the best way to deal with this? I realise that mostly it's parroted - I just overheard him impatiently tell DH to 'just finish the book' when DH was just commenting on a picture.

I now say 'that was very rude and it doesn't make me want to help you' about fifteen times a day but the attitude keeps coming. Obviously persistent rudeness results in a sanction.

I worry about him starting school and speaking to teachers like this :(

Ooh, I remember this...he's probably quite bright! Just be consistent in the message that it's unacceptable. Suspect he'll grow out of it. Doesn't help you in the short term...

Oh wow, I was just about to post about MY bossy and rude 4.5 year old when I found your post. My DS likes to tell me "No, you're not in charge, I'M in charge" and lots of other bossy and rude things.

One thing I'll say though, there is no way your DS or mine will ever talk to the teachers like that - I woudl bet money on it! He is as good as gold at pre-school, with his grandma, with his childminder (most of the time). He saves his special rudeness for mummy and daddy.

I wanted to ask - at what point do you think it's helpful to ignore this rudeness and when is it best to discipline them? I don't want to put him on time out for saying he's in charge (which I just tried not to laugh at), but I do draw the line at name calling or aggressive shouting.

Boy, is it exhausting though! He is a grade A diva sometimes.

Oh, and I've reinstated the sticker chart with rewards for being polite and nice

My 4yo ds is like this too. Must be a 4yo thing. I've witnessed him lording it up on the sofa while his uncle and his grandad crawl round the floor setting up a game for him. He gives out helpful instructions like "You're doing it wrong Grandad!" I walk in the room and think wait a minute, who's in charge here?

I am also no longer in charge of my soon to be 4 year old, apparently he is the boss and I should follow him.

I'm ready and willing to take advice.

Ah, safety in numbers at least!

He's been a PITA today but for some reason he's really tired so I've done some tongue-biting and some getting cross with incessant moaning and demanding and just going on all the bleeding time. DH insists he gets this from me but that simply can't be true

He's such a love. I don't like getting grumpy with him. But what a flouncy wee brute, it has to pass soon surely?

Hi! I know this was a while ago! I don’t suppose you could say when it got better/ if anything helped? We are in the thick of it! :/ thanks!!!