Mum’s the Word: When Your Child Thinks You’re an Idiot
Friday, September 11, 2015
She’s outgrown two sizes of clothing, expanded her diet beyond PediaSure and chicken nuggets, and has finally stopped calling me “Miss Hannigan” in public.
Recently, she’s also began the dreaded journey into the world of name-calling and talking back.
I don’t remember the first time my daughter called me an “idiot,” but I can definitely assure you that I thought it was a one-off situation.
“Maybe she doesn’t really know what that word means,” the innocent mother thought.
However, after denying Lia her natural-born right as an American citizen to drink juice after 8pm, I learned that Lia definitely knows what the word “idiot” means.
“Fine! I guess I’ll stay thirsty forever, you big idiot,” Lia shouted while also slamming the door in my face.
“Idiot” isn’t the only insulting word she’s taken to dishing out, though. In fits of rage, she also enjoys calling me “big pig,” “ape,” or “ya dummy.” “Ya dummy” actually happens to be my particular favorite because I always picture her as a cast member of Bugsy Malone when she says this… “No gummies for supper? Say, what’s the big idea, ya big dummy.”
As much as I am not personally offended by the rage of a four-year-old, though, I do recognize that it’s important to nip this behavior in the bud. While I’m not sure what inspired this change in her behavior, I know that it needs to stop as soon as possible.
Despite her fairly young age, I also know that I’m not the only parent out there with a mouthy four-year-old. In fact, the National Association of School Psychologists acknowledge the fact that it’s actually pretty normal for preschool children to engage in these sorts of behavior. (Trust me, I look up EVERYTHING to ensure I did not actually give birth to an adorable alien.)
So, in effort to help my fellow mothers (and fathers) who are out there on the child-rearing battlefield, here are some tips for dealing with a rowdy child.
See Slideshow Below
Related Slideshow: Mum’s the Word: When Your Child Thinks You’re an Idiot
Related Articles
- Mum’s the Word: Tinder for the Tethered
- Mum’s the Word: Parenting in Sickness and in Health
- Mum’s the Word: Life and Beauty Hacks for the Mom on a Budget
- Mum’s the Word: 4 Things to Remember When Parenting Alone
- Mum’s the Word: 4 Ways to Stay Youthful While Parenting
- Mum’s the Word: How to Stop Instantly Rewarding Your Toddler
- Mum’s the World: Parenting at Your Wit’s End
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It