musicmom

I'm not understanding this age. My boy is 8 and is coming up with excuses everytime I ask him a question that he messed up on such as "why didn't you bring home your spelling words" and he will come up with three different excuses. This behavior is ALL the time. "why did you act like that to your sister" and there is an excuse. He doesn't take blame for anything.
I have banned the words "I don't know" from my house. That is not an allowed answer. (with small exceptions)
Then they have been getting a bit lippy. I feel like I am constantly yelling or correcting their behavior. I am wearing thin.
When I am talking to another adult or on the phone they try to get my attention. If I am doing nothing then they are fine. WTF?
We are all we've had and I think that's why they don't want to share me. They are back in karate so another adult is discipling them, maybe they will help?
When we are around my family none of them will correct my children (probably in fear of me) but I ask them to correct them if they are doing something wrong because they need to know that other adults should be respected.
When they walk in a store they act like they own the store, it's like they turn blind and do not see on-coming people.
I feel like everything I have ever taught them all went out the window and they are different children.
I don't have any other mothers to ask. My friends kids run wild so I won't ask them.
I'm at my wits end. So give it to me.............

musicmom

Trina

Sounds typical to me, especially with DD. Very frustrating at times. They can be challenging at home, but I do take comfort in the glowing reports I get from their teachers and other parents. I often ask myself, "Are we talking about the same children?!" Things must be sinking in, or they wouldn't be doing so well at school or at their friends' houses, right?? LOL!

Kaytee

I don't have kids this age so I am no help!! Sorry I hope it gets easier for ya

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musicmom

They really go to friends houses. We usually meet friends out some place they can be active, the pool, park, beach.

A year ago I let my sister watch them over night and she said "they did NOT listen" so I've been scared to let them stay again.

They are good at school but I think teachers let alot slip.

HappyMomma

It could be worse... my four year old is already starting with the 'rebellious' behavior.

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The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
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OneGiantStep

I don't have kids that age, but it may because you're too harsh.

You said you're at wit's end so likely you've lost your temper with him quite a few times. When you do that, he's going to remember the yelling rather than the principle. You could let him know that the behavior is unacceptable but do it in a respectable manner, a manner that you would like to be talked to; otherwise, yelling is just going to create resentment.

If you have to, use something as leverage, such as allowance or TV privileges, but be fair and consistent. Once the punishment becomes unfair or yelling starts, the child will remember the punishment rather than the lesson.

ljmahr

We banned the words "but" and "well," last night. I hate the excuses and not taking responsibility for anything phase. My 9 yr. old dd has been going through this for at least the past year. She listens to things I tell her to do but she always does it half way. Like, "sweep the kitchen floor" she only sweeps under the table. When asked why she didn't sweep all the floor she says "You didn't say the whole kitchen", WTH?? Drives me nuts! hmmm, I can't wait for the others to get into this magical phase!

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Laura

Mommy to 4 beautiful girls and 1 handsome boy

HappyMomma

Dd has been blaming things on her imaginary friends lately. Sigh

__________________
The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable.
~Lane Olinghouse

ljmahr

Ok that would be a hard one to figure out, lol. We have had imaginary friends around here but none at the moment. Oh wait someone wrote on the wall mysteriously the other day, does that count?

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Laura

Mommy to 4 beautiful girls and 1 handsome boy