Talking Back. - Whitestone,NY

I simply say in a very sweet voice "oh I'm sorry. I don't appreciate being talked to like that. When you are ready to talk nicely I will listen because I want to hear your magical voice."

Then, I ignore them if they continue back talking or yelling. I may sing and continue doing whatever I am doing. But, I simply do not respond.

When they finally start speaking nicely I give them every ounce of my attention with smiles and hugs and I may say "oh I am so glad to see that you are your wonderful sweet self again. I love when you smile and laugh and listen so nicely."

It may take a few times, but they will come around to it. Positive praise, ignore negative behavior.

Children WANT you attention, whether positive or negative, and if they get it by talking back, that is what they will do. If they get it by being polite and nice that is what they will do, and be a sweeter kid for it.

If it is an anger/frustration issue, you may want to try breathing exercises. Sit with them and breadth in the cool calming air and breadth out the hot dragon breadth. In through the nose out through the mouth.

Good luck

Well,
Again from personal experience speak to her and ask her why she is interupting and does she realize that its rude? Would she want you to speak to her that way? Where has she seen behavior like that? Letting her know that such behavior is unacceptable is where you need to start. Sometimes children like to do that in front of other adults. Because they think they wont be reprimanded. My solution to that is say to the other adult excuse me. Say to the child that the behavior is being inappropriate and why are they behaving this way because it is terribly rude to everyone. We respect each other. Turn taking in conversations might need to be explained.

J., OH - I SO agree with Pirsilla!!

Our favorite line with our youngest was "you had best be talking to my shoes with that kind of tone/voice" - and she would look at our shoes and stop. Then when she would continue politely she was allowed to have our full attention.

Stop it NOW!! Or it will continue - yes, even into pre-teen and teen years.

Now, a SAHM - we have Six children, ages 22-5, NEVER a dull moment. Good Luck.

VINEGAR. If my son says anything that he's not suppose to he gets vinegar. It won't hurt him and it works with just the threat of it now. Sometimes all we need to do is put it on the counter. I just take a q-tip with a little on it and put it on his lips. Works every time. It sounds cruel, but it works and it definitely doesn't hurt him. I mean you really can't wash their mouthes out with soap like they use to do when we were kids.