Is anyone else's 8, almost 9 year old son being an arse??

[McGill]

My son who is almost 9, for the last few months has been driving me to the limit! He's always been a reasonably serious sensitive wee fella, tendency to sulk/huff since coming out of my womb, but it's like he's had a hormone surge and become a teenager... Lots of cheek/not listening/meltdowns at 'no'/defiant, and particularly grumpy and sulky if not doing EXACTLY what he wants (at the moment that involves skateparks and scootering-anything else and he has a face on). Is this just a hormonal surge turning him
Into a grumpy arse who seemingly has little respect for his mum (much more obedient with dad, despite me being firm, consistent etc) ? Arrgggggg making me a right grumpy cow!!

The nine year phenomenon. I have 5 dcs, youngest will be 9 in October. Each one became a little grotbag at 9. It passes then they get better, then worse, then better ad infinitum.

Aaaaah thank you. I was worried this was it... He was stuck in arsey grump mode for the rest of his life. God I hope it passes quick!!

Yes me. 8 year old with attitude. Draining it is. He's called me an idiot three times already this week. Fuming!

Yep, it's a phase. My gorgeous, amiable, loving little surprise has now gone the same way as the other 2 did at that age and his flexing his metaphorical muscles. It will pass but then the teenage years will hit

I feel your frustration

ds is a grumpy sod with an answer for everything. He is 10 hoping the phase passes quickly.

I could have written post word for. Just 2 hours ago I was in the kitchen complaining DH just how bloody disrespectful it is that he ignored my instructions completely. He's a lovely boy, he really is, but his moods and groaning over everything I ask him to do is driving me insane. It's like living with Kevin the teenager. So relieved hear that we're not alone.

I hear you... Where on earth did I ever get the idea that once the kids got to school age it'd all get easier?!!!

mcgill
I definitely found baby/toddler years easier.

And DD who is nearing 13 isn't nearly as moody as ds.

Yup. Nine is a difficult age. First flood of hormones. Sadly, as with my younger son, it can set off all sorts of things. Bastard things, hormones

I thought it was only me going through this situation. My 8 years old is getting so mouthy and rude, at the same time he cries of frustration over his little siblings. I don't know what to do. He is a sweet boy, but very moody. HELP

And here too.

DS1 is there too - and he's turned into a complete wimpy worrier - far from his normal confident, outgoing self. Friend says her DD was the same at that age.

Yes, exactly at that stage. I can just about live with it behind closed doors as being part of life etc, but it's so dreadful when he's insolent etc at school / in public! Obviously I love him to bits, but how long until this stage passes?!???

I've noticed in years 4/5 my Ds was a little shit, played up at home and school. Was banned from school trips. Ran away from his dad, would run into the road in front of cars. When he got into year 6 he changed so so much! Still has little strips if not getting his own way but his behaviour is amazingly better! School have noticed and he's been getting rewards there too (trips, certificates and included in school teams)

Now his 9 yr old brother in year 4 has started, he's even worse!

I can't wait for them all to be adults!!

Oh yes, I can relate to all of this. Thank God it's not just my son! He challenges me and argues with almost everything I say and has huge outbursts. He's also having a massive growth spurt.

Oh I feel your pain. My ds is 9 next month and full of attitude and back chat and intent on having the last word.
I was not prepared for this for another few years yet

Oooh yes I can relate to this! It's good to know it's just a phase. I have an almost 2yo and almost 9yo and I honestly don't know which one of them is going to throw the biggest tantrum on any given day!

wow I had to check your username OP I actually wondered had I started a thread and then forgotten about it!!

DS is 8 and does all the things you (and all other posters, it would seem) mention. As well as the cheek, the huffing, the groaning and moaning about the simplest of things he's also incredibly emotional and will burst into tears with huge gulping sobs that leave DH and I wondering is he even serious

It is just so exhausting having to deal with him. My only hope is that he comes out of it and the teen years will be a doddle. They can't be worse than this, surely. Can they?

I've started DS on a magnesium supplement as I've read it can help with mood - I'll try anything, honestly! Fingers crossed...

My 8yr old is the same (and his younger brother has started with the back chat and stroppiness).
He smacks his brother for sitting in 'his' seat, using 'his' plate but was in tears over bread the other day.

Interesting reading about magnesium.