How to Discipline an 8-Year-Old Backtalker

Eight-year-old children talk back because they are testing the limits of your patience and the firmness of your decisions. If you succumb to their pressure and grow angry, you're letting them know they have the power to influence your mood and your decision-making. Responding to back-talk calmly returns the balance of power in the relationship to you. When parents ignore back-talking, children eventually abandon it and learn to express themselves in a more productive manner.

Instructions

    • 1

      Address your child's back-talking immediately. Tell your child that rudeness isn't acceptable behavior. Let your child know that back-talking doesn't bother you and encourage the child to think about what she's trying to accomplish with the back-talking. For example, say "Is there another way you could phrase that?"

    • 2

      Avoid letting your anger show. Don't shout back or call your child names. Vent your frustration at another time so your child doesn't associate defiant behavior with successful manipulation of your attitude.

    • 3

      Ignore the back-talking if it continues. Let your child tire out and accept that your word is final. Prepare for peaceful resignation when you continue to ignore the bad behavior.

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