After my conversation with Gavin (4) this morning, I'm certain I'll have my work cut out for me when he's a teenager.
Me~ What a beautiful morning! Lets go play outside with our new sidewalk chalk!
Gavin~ No. I want to watch a movie.
Me~ You can watch a movie later...when the girls are taking a nap. Come on, lets play outside.
Gavin~ NO! I said WATCH A MOVIE!! You are SOOOO mean! **cry**
Me~ Really? You're crying because I want to play with you outside?
Gavin~ No, I'm mad at you cause I want to watch a movie! You never let me watch TV. You're sooo mean!
Me~ That's enough. And that's not true. Keep up this attitude and I'll give you something to cry about.
Gavin~ You better not. I'll call the police.
I would never DREAM of talking to my father like this....maybe I'm not very intimidating? Zander (knock on wood) usually does what's expected....but Gavin, oh Gavin. He has a flair for the dramatics.
After I told Gavin that he wasn't being nice, I took the girls in the front yard to play...leaving him alone to mope. Eventually (about 5 minutes) he joined us like nothing happened. I made him hug me and apologize.
Have your children started talking back? If so, what's your reaction?
3 comments:
Hudson is definitely starting to talk back. It's hard to know what to say or do!!! He usually has some sort of consequence, but I have yet to REALLY discipline him. My hubs and I sort of disagree...he wants to totally punish him, I look at is more of a conversation (Like what you did)...who knows what the right thing is!?!!
Back talk is one of the main concerns most parents come to my classes for. I know as the mom of an very eloquent, determined and strong 8 yo girl, that it started at least 2-3 years ago.
I have found that acknowledging her feelings as I seem them start to develop (i.e. make sure I "see" her) allows me to avoid a major meltdown and still be the parent I need to be, making the choices I need to make.
It's important for kids (and adults too!) to feel seen and heard even when we end up doing what needs to be done.
It's not always easy.. but only one of us can be having a melt-down at a time!
Sandra-The Soulful Parent
thank you sandra for the words of wisdom!
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