Sassy Girl behavior?

[lg3]

Need advice please! Our dd almost 4, is starting to get sassy/backtalking to us all of a sudden. I don't know if it is something she learned in preschool (goes half days) or what. Usually she is a real joy and no problems. We have had many time outs lately. Is this a phase? Does it only get worse from here? I didn't expect this to start until she was 12 or something!

 

[ElizK]

Could be something she picked up in daycare, but it could also be something she's seen on tv. A lot of the Disney and Nick shows have that sarcastic, sassy, back-talking crap that I can't stand. I don't let my girls watch any of them (and my girls are 11 and 14 now!).

 

[minkydog]

I thought 4 was a very sassy age. Their language is so much more articulate-after 2yrs of saying"NO" now they can add "stupid poopy-head, I hate you" for more shock value

I agree with the above poster who advised to limit TV.At this age they try out what they see and a lot of what passes for entertainment is rude children smarting off to other children and adults(and of course, all the adults are idiots )

Remember, you are the adult. If you don't like the tone of voice or language, speak up. Tell her you don't like to be spoken to with an ugly voice. When she persists (and she will ) remove her from your presence for 5 minutes. When she comes out of her room, if she continues, put her back in there and shut the door.Do not argue or negotiate with her. Keep it up longer than she does.

Sass-mouth is unacceptable behavior in any culture, at any age.

 

[barkley]

it's not just tv. just watch the 'princesses' in the disney videos and you will see plenty of 'hands on the hips, thrust out lower lips, stomped feet and the sound of 'uuuumph''. in our house we call it the 'princess pout'.

 

[sydally9367]

I've had the same issues with my 5 yr old DD as of late too (don't even get me started on my 9 yr old OY!!!). For the most part, she is very respectful and has wonderful manners, but lately she will scream "NO!!!!" when I tell her to do something and when I get angry with her, she'll stomp up the stairs and turn around and glare at me. Then, when I get angry at her for that attitude, she turns on the waterworks and wants to cuddle with me telling me she's sorry I allow my girls to watch shows on Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel, but I've started to limit it greatly. I used to love watching Drake & Josh with them, but when Megan started calling Drake & Josh erm, female body part above the belly button and below the chin that rhymes with MOOBS (LOL), I had to make the decision to not let them watch it anymore because they started to call each other by that name. I just try to tell them what is acceptable and what isn't and if they don't follow those guidelines, then they will be punished.

 

[PrincessMom2002]

My DD4 was going through that earlier this year but the phase has passed. Just waiting for it to come along again, because I know it will. Just set her straight and let her know who's the adult!! I have a feeling my DD was just trying to see how far she could spread her wings. That or she was picking up the attitude from preschool friends. But she knows it won't be tolerated here.

 

[ToTLaugher]

You are getting great advice here! I have also found it to be true that limiting TV exposure makes a big difference in my children's attitudes. Like others have said here this makes a difference at all ages, not just preschool.

 

[golfgal]

She is practicing to be 13! My DD was that way too. We would call her on the behavior, make her say things in a nice way, etc. and she eventually stopped, well mostly. She is almost 12 and is starting to practice again for that 13 year old girl job of being YUCK.