I am either going to sell my kid or run away.

BubblyToes · November 2011

Every single thing is an argument. EVERYTHING.

I can't deal anymore. He is making me crazy.

Jodi&Joe · November 2011

Every single thing makes Cam cry. Everything.

It's so goddamn annoying.

The thing that works for the arguing, with Joey and Cam anyway, is that I simply tell them "Do not talk back. I just told you XYZ and that is it. End of story. Period!" And if they open their mouth again, I give them the look. It works. Every time. Arguing with me is NOT an option. I will not engage with a 5 or 7 year old in that way. If they continue talking (which, like I said, doesn't ever happen but used to), they can go to their rooms. Nothing crazier than a grown adult having an argument with a child. There are plenty of times that it starts out that way (as an argument) and I realize (in my head) you look like a freaking lunatic right now, which is when I pull out the "End of story! Period!" routine.

jettagurl · November 2011

I'll trade you? You can have my 4, and I'll take your 1 and live in SC. mmmmkay?

See you in about 12 hrs.

summerbrideDC · November 2011

A friend told me that she recently read in a child development book that the concept of arguing peaks between ages 4-5. Not sure if that helps to know, but I guess at least you know you're not alone.

jettagurl · November 2011

summerbrideDC:
A friend told me that she recently read in a child development book that the concept of arguing peaks between ages 4-5. Not sure if that helps to know, but I guess at least you know you're not alone.

And I totally agree with this....Ben is arguing more 'effectively' if you will - he's learning to choose his battles more, and Nat is just starting the talking back/arguing to everything. Somedays I'd rather just beat my head into a wall.

Jodi&Joe · November 2011

summerbrideDC:
A friend told me that she recently read in a child development book that the concept of arguing peaks between ages 4-5. Not sure if that helps to know, but I guess at least you know you're not alone.

I would totally agree with that as well. I remember thinking Joey was so much easier at 6 than 5 - and now that I think about it, I think this was a huge reason why.

ohyeahdollface · November 2011

Ugh, I see this so much with my nine year old BIL.

EVERYTHING is an argument. Even being told by MIL to brush his teeth before bed turns into a discussion. DH and I sit there in shock that she lets him argue with her. She thinks its funny!

He has started to hate coming to my house to visit with, and without MIL. DH doesn't put up with the crap he does, and he has rules here.

Ciarrai · November 2011

I hear the gypsies are buying kids...

I have a saying that I have to explain to DH a lot. "We do not negotiate with terrorists or five-year-olds (or three-year-olds)." Seriously. Every little thing is a "but I want..." or "but you said..." or "but I did..." Whatever. We do not negotiate with terrorists or five-year-olds.

Temp970088312507122 · November 2011

Ciarrai:
I hear the gypsies are buying kids...
I have a saying that I have to explain to DH a lot. "We do not negotiate with terrorists or five-year-olds (or three-year-olds)." Seriously. Every little thing is a "but I want..." or "but you said..." or "but I did..." Whatever. We do not negotiate with terrorists or five-year-olds.

LOL...that's how I describe my parenting technique: "I don't negotiate with terrorists." I like Jodi's advice though, I'm going to start trying that.

kelly&paul · November 2011

my mom was all proud one day because she "won" an argument with dd. I said she's 3 you should "win" all of them. why are you even arguing with her in the first place?