need advise: 7 year old with attitude overnight

surprise3rd

Oh my...seems like my 7 year old DS has turned into a back talking smart alec.  I am at my wits end.  We have a very respectful household, DH and I speak very kind to each other, etc.  Seems like overnight my DS has picked up this back talking disrespectful, he rules the roost attitude.  Right now he is up on his bed for a time out, and he got himself in trouble at school last week for being disrespectful to his teacher.  This is all new to me and I am looking for some strategies.  We don't spank, and anytime I take away a privlage...Wii, TV, outside time, his attidude is...."I don't care"

Any advise at all would be welcome, as I would like to try to nip this in the bud.

side note:  we are going through some transitions in our family....new house last week and a baby coming pretty soon.  I understand that transition can be hard, but how do I handle this.

 

shouldbworkin

That is a lot of transition at once and I found that my kids acted out before the baby arrived over fears of how things were going to change.  So, I would start talking to them about that now.  Acknowledge the fears and give them the words to express it in the right way. 

If you've been spending a lot of time un/packing, I would expect some attention seeking behavior in response too.  It's possible he's not sleeping well in his new room too and that will only add to behavior issues.  If you can, try to spend some one on one time with him, maybe a lunch out together to talk about all that's going on.  That usually helps us get things back on track.  

When he's giving attitude, I would just tell him to knock it off.  And, then don't give into the attitude.  Attitude doesn't get them what they want.  

MesmrEwe

Hold strong!!!  BREATHE!! You're doing fine!

As the PP mentioned, make time to acknowledge the transitions and the feelings that he's got.  Also, don't be afraid to correct the behaviors and stand your ground that "we don't behave this way in our household!".  There is something that you can do for leverage - for example, really give him positive feedback when he is respectful, we're talking slather it on thick, really take the time to emphasize appropriate behaviors get you lots of good attention.  And as hard as it is, don't sink to the negative attention...