Acting like a teenager already? But, he’s only 4!

Hey guys! It’s Cindy, the first Family blogger, back to cover for Cin while she’s on vacation. Did ya miss me?

The last couple of days have prompted me to write this blog, because I just had to see if there are any other Moms out there like me, who are experiencing a strange, very premature teenage behavior stage.

My son, who turned 4 and a half (to be exact) yesterday, has recently turned into a teenager. Talk about add-it-ude! Wow! I know he’s all about seeing how far he can push Mommy before she screams, (and we have a day every few months or so that just drives me nuts) but these were some levels that surprised me to the point of finding a sitter on short notice, for no other reason than to completely escape it for a few hours!

Everything that used to be asked politely, such as, “Can I have some juice please, Mom?” has now turned into an order, delivered in a very aggressive, demeaning tone… with the added insult of expecting instantaneous results!

“Get juice now, Mom.”

“Joe, honey, you need to think about how you just said that to Mommy, and try asking nicely… until then, you can go thirsty.”

“I said.. NOW MOM… NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!”

“Joe, I am NOT your servant. You will get juice when you ask nicely.”

And the fit continues… Dad comes in and mandates that Mom be obeyed, then it turns from demands at Mom to aggressive defiance. Eventually, he winds down, and here’s where the hormonal teenager act comes in.

“Hmph! Fine! I’ll just be thirsty then!” Heavy sigh, followed by heavy stomping to the bedroom, and then a forceful slamming of the door. The more serious the upset, the more door slams we hear.

I understand a bit of it, in terms of being an only child, my being a young parent (and even having been around young children because I am the oldest of four) never seen this before, and outlandish behavior for attention… but, what I do not understand is, why? I mean, yes, times have been stressful around here, more than usual, and for longer…but, I still by no means neglect to give the child lots of positive attention, love, and affection.

Truthfully, I do a great job (in comparison to other parents I know no matter the age of the parent or child) in handling the stresses of life with a minimal affect on my son. I keep the same cheery, let’s have fun playing and learning attitude as best I can. When I know I can’t, I either explain something to him, “Mom’s busy working, and has a lot to do. That’s what’s making her grumpy.” If it’s major, I put him in someone else’s care so as not to affect him.

So, isn’t that what I should be doing? Am I wrong in my theory about the source of the mean, rude, behavior and fits? Help a young Mom out and share your thoughts. Remember though, I’ve had more curve balls thrown at me in the last four months than in the last four years combined… so I am willing to acknowledge that having an impact.

Thanks for your help guys!