Sassy

I've been there. It is normal behavior, but obviously not acceptable. When my kids talk to me like that I tell them they need to talk nicely to me, follow rules and directions, etc. I give timeouts and take away privileges for sassing. I model saying "please", "thank you" etc so they will do it. I also have discussions with them about my jobs as a mom - to love them, to educate them, to teach them how to act, to keep them safe and healthy, etc. That seems to make it look like I am following rules in an official mom handbook. :) I also read stories to them about manners, being friends, etc. I praise them when they have spoken or acted respectfully toward me. I think modeling and being consistent in how you handle the sassing will get you good results. I also had a talk with my husband. I told him that since I am with the kids 24/7 he needs to back me up in the discipline department. He needs to let them know their behavior toward me in not acceptable and he needs to go along with the punishments I give out. If he has an issue we can discuss it and we can change it together. Otherwise, if he simply disregards what I have set in motion he has taken away my authority and therefore my ability to teach and guide our children's behavior. Good luck!

Ohhh W.,
baby already knows daddy and mommy are 'not' on the same page ... Cleaver little guy ...all your buttons are pushed .
1= get a sitter for baby [ soon]
2= take daddy out [ private]
3= lay down the 'law' of the family 'unit'
4= daddy 'must' back you up ... Must ..foreer
5= these are the formative years ....[ for baby and future baby]
6= daddy will challenge you [ well, i want to play w/ baby]
explain ; play time , nap time , food time, clean up time., church time, discipline time, bed time .etc
7= daddy does not understand how h-a-r-d- you worked to get all your familys ' ducks' in a row ...
8= entire family must follow all the simple rules you set up as a unit ..... Back each other up ..
9= ps= let daddy make a rule or 2 .. Write it down
10= this is the future of your baby .... No going back to 'fix' wild .....
A grammy

he's testing you! You have to be consistent, or he will learn that it works to act the way he is.

also, take it as a compliment that he's treating you bad... it means he trusts you and loves you! they are on their best behavior for other people.

Good luck!!!!!!

Hi W.,

Thanks for asking. Sit down with hubby and son with a poster board.

Start a general discussion about manners or respect.

Ask questions about what is considered good ways to behave.

Make a list.

Next, ask what would be some consequences when the above are not followed.

Make a list.

Now enforce them. Hopefully, your husband will support you.

Good luck. D.

An absolutely GREAT series is the "Love and Logic" books. You can get them at your local library. Fantastic skills for just what you describe. :)