7year old boys attitudes

[Roonieroo]

Whats with boys today? Is it just MY son or is it boys in general, that when they get to a cirtain age they start acting like the whole world is against them?!
My eldest is only 7, an age that I really feel that we should be enjoying but I cant stand him. The constant back chats and "I know everything" attitude is really peeing me off!
I know I really shouldnt bite but I cant help it. I last precisely 10 seconds in a room with him before im drawn into another one of his pathetic arguements about nothing.
I sooooooo want to enjoy his company but he grates on me and rubs me up the wrong way. I just want to SCREAM constantly and get as far away from him as possible! I really need to learn how to chill. Any ideas?

My son is six. There have been loads of times when it's all got too much but I realised that time and love is all he needed. Since this realisation I also made a mental note (and lots of advice)that there is likely to be anger/resentment within my son for whatever reason. Parents also need to note that they need to be able to take critism! Even six/seven year old boys need time/hugs and to be told that they are loved. We use the following phrase a lot in my family - "No Matter What". Say to your children that you will love them no matter what and they'll show you things that they wouldn't otherwise. take the information you get mindfully. Be prepared to also apologise for things you've done wrong or could do better - your child will grow up knowing that you tried your best. My belief is that you need to look at yourself (as I did - not an easy thing to do!) before focussing on behaviours of your children. Good luck.

I agree completely with ReshT. Lots of 1-to-1 attention, try joining in with some activity he enjoys. Surprise him with, I don't know, a trip to the swimming pool just you and him, or really with anything. Just a surprise for a surprise's sake! Do whatever you can see to do to strengthen your relationship with him. Lots of patience when he doesn't respond to your attentions immediately but give him the message: whatever you do and however you try to push me away, I love you, I will always love you and I will always be here for you. Sometimes kids seem to want to find out if you really love them WHATEVER.

Hmmm! It's so much easier said than done!

Sorry, by "surprise" I didn't mean a present, an object. I meant some attention which he wasn't expecting.