Why does my 8 year old son appear to be turning into a teenager??

[Pinkchampagne]

He has started really answering back & can be pretty rude too.

I live on my own with my two boys & feel like he has no respect for me at times. They can both be hard work in different ways, but DS1's attitude has really dragged me down this week.

Oh yes. It is a dodgy age. People tell me they reform by the time they are 10.

Oh I hope so! I had a feeling that it would get worse with age.

It seems to have come on quite suddenly & it is awful. He doesn't do it with his dad though, he just does it with me.

He's angry. He likely thinks it is safe to display it with you as you won't abandon him like his dad did (trying to think like an eight year old). But you shouldn't put up with it--give him consequences for it like take belongings away. Has he had counseling re the divorce? You and he could talk about the split, try to get from him how he feels. tell him that although you and ex no longer are a couple, you both love him just like you always have and always will. Maybe an outing for just you two? he may think split was his fault. Summary: have him voice his feelings and fears and reassure him of the love of both parents.