7 year old back chat

[emanon]

My 7 year old DS is testing my patience at the moment. He is a lovely, gentle boy, but is a mini control freak and likes to think he is in charge in our house.

I am getting a little frustrated by the constant answering back and mumbling under his breath whenever we ask him to do something. He has now resorted to laughing when I tell him off which really makes my blood boil.

Is this typical behaviour for a 7 year old and how can I help ease the situation? Does anyone have any wise words?

No wise words, just sympathy.

DD is like this atm, she's 7 too. Makes me feel impotent sometimes, like I just don't know how to deal with it.

DD1 has always been like this until she turned 8.
A friend of mine believes their behaviour changes in 7yr cycles and well im beginning to believe it too.
DD1 has always been hard work to control, dd2 is far easier. But dd1 has turned a corner or seen the light and is soo much better these days.
So now im worrying bout dd2, if dd1 gets better with age dd2 must be going from good to bad

Thanks scary, reassuring words.

Funny how when it goes right we find something else to worry about though, isn't it?

my ds is eight

he is also a mini control freak and soooo bloody superior, thinks he knows it all

tbh, I deal with it by using a zero-tolerance approach 'cos give an inch and they take a mile

but then I am a strict kinda mum

Anyfucker (interesting name?) that is exactly how I would describe my DS - bloody superior. He actually does say that he is in charge. I too try to adopt zero tolerance but it's such hard work. He will deliberately test me, carrying on doing something that I have asked him not to do, while looking me in the eye at the same time.

At other times he can be really lovely, but I feel like he is Kevin the teenager at the moment! Every age has its challenges doesn't it?

It is typical

I used to furrow my brow and say 'What would Mrs [teacher's name] say if she heard you speak like that?'

The inevitable reply... 'She wouldn't like it'

So I'd say 'Well don't speak to me like that then!'

Usually had the desired effect!