8 yo son...my oh my!

[my2suns]

My 8 yo old is going through something!!!! I know he is starting that natural pull to be much more independent and I appreciate that. His mouth is getting a little ahead of him and we tell him that he can have an opinion, but he may not be disrespectful. There are times that he is so snappy to everyone and can be tormenting to his younger brother, who is 6. When they are "getting along" they play beautifully together, but when he is feeling "superior" watch out. I have heard "He is being rude to me!" so much from my 6 year old. I have sat them down, separetly and together to have family talks about how we treat each other, feelings etc. I have modeled the words for both of them until I am blue in the face. :

Please tell me this too shall pass! There are days he is such and awesome child to be around and other days I would rather put myself in time out!!!! Any suggestions????

[tm2840]

As the mother of a seven year old I'm waiting for answers... but I'd be happy to join you in time out!!!

You know this will pass - model the right thing, enforce it as you find appropriate and remember that every day our children are getting more independent. Our job is to enable them to be self sufficient and confident adults. Their "job" is to practice this for years, and some of the safest people to try these skills on are parents and siblings. Not fun, but necessary. Hang in there, and know I'm about one year behind you!

[tibdoml]

Another mom of a 7 1/2 year old and still waiting for answers, too.

Earlier this summer DS started acting very similar to what you're describing. We've evaluated his food, exercise, and TV levels. The shouting, irritation, general anger and "bratty" behavior is often intolerable and try to make learning opportunities of as many situations as possible (though now he just tunes us out and nods that he understands, ugh...)

We cling dearly onto the fun days, pay a little extra attention to him as often as possible, and hope "this too will pass." Hang in there mama, , we'll be hanging on, too.

[my2suns]

I read an article the other day in my old local paper. The author had the same age child and said that he was acting the same way.

Jen, I know what you mean about clinging to the fun days! On the others...watch out :

Traci, I always try to remind myself that the fact that he is able to verbally express himself so well is going to be an asset one day!

Hang in there mama's we are making it one day at a time!!!!!