Best way to deal with cheeky/stroppy 7yo ds

[MumtoH]

Just lately my 7yo has started to become quite cheeky and stroppy towards me (and his dad but me in particular). Stuff like answering back, refusing to do things like get dressed, do homework etc. He has a real attitude when he does this, and for the first time tonight I thought 'I'm going to have problems with you when you're a teenager' (I know, I know - who doesn't have problems with teenagers? ). Punishments like timeout, sending to bedroom etc don't work, he just brazens it out. I am not the most patient person in the world and often shout at him when he won't do as he's told - not the best thing to do, I know. What I wondered was what is the best approach to dealing with this kind of behaviour - anyone got any tips?

women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article4288100.ece

www.raisingkids.co.uk/4_9/4_9.asp#Behaviour

I am reading Child of Our Time, to help me with my approach. I know boys have a hromone surge at arpund age seven that can impact on behaviour.

watching this thread with interest. FWIW MumtoH, my 7 yo is much the same, and educating his younger brother and sister in his stroppy ways

That website looks great - have bookmarked for future reference. Thanks

Thanks for the web links tinsel - the Times article is interesting isn't it? I think there could be something there about outside play being important. Also, I am not a risk taker, I am overcautious. The Raising Kids behaviour pages are really good too - I have bookmarked them.
FFS - love that name - genius!

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I have a white slip system (based on what they use at his school) We have a zero tolerance policy on cheek and not doing as asked. If he misbehaves he gets a white slip and 3 in one day means no computer next day - He very rarely gets to 3

Sounds very harsh, but because it is always strictly followed, he knows exactly where he stands and we don't actually have to use it that much.

I have heard of the testosterone surge too. My DS1 (also 7yo) is prone to spots and his temper is always worse when he is spotty.