4 going on 16 -- help!

[sanssouci]

My dd has become, in the words of my grandmother, a "little madam". I am ashamed to say that I just lost my temper with her and smacked her bottom. She is insolent, rude, spoiled... where have I gone wrong? (Now I sound just like my mother 25 yrs ago). Is this normal? What can I do? I know very well that spanking is not a solution but she is driving me crazy. Please help!

all i can say is what my teacher said to me when i felt i couldn't cope with my ds1. she says that 'you are their whole world and they hold up a mirror to your own behaviour'. this was my wake up call and i now try and be the best person/role model i can be for my children. model the behaviour you want them to copy. you are your childs first teacher.since i've approached it this way there has been a dramatic turn around. hope it helps x

Thanks, Shrub. Food for thought. She's just so incredibly sharp that I forget she's hardly more than a baby...