Parents, Remember Attitudes Are Contagious

When we bring home our little bundles of joy from the hospital we are so excited. We unknowingly want them to grow up so they can walk and talk. Once that happens, we feel a little bit of frustration; we want our child to then sit down and be quiet.

As soon as our children learn to talk they are striving for independence. They are verbal. It is our job as parents to set boundaries for how verbal we will allow our children to get.

I noticed I did not begin to get attitude from my oldest until she was in about fourth grade not ceasing to present day. As my child got older I let some things slide keeping her in check with what I would allow and what I won't.

Now my daughter is in middle school. The attitude is different than it has been in the past. It is more sarcastic, demeaning, and just plain snobbish. I have discovered some of the attitude is stemming from the pressures at school, friends, and everything else. I am fully aware that a middle school girl is a roller coaster of emotions. I pick my battles carefully.

I think every parent needs to pick their battles with any age group when they encounter an attitude. Do you really want to fight over a comment that was made about someone on TV? Also we need to take a look in the mirror. What types of attitudes are we modeling for our teens?

It all comes down to boundaries. You and your spouse need to confer and decide what kind of attitudes are acceptable and which are not. Your teen needs to understand there are boundaries and consequences if those boundaries are not met; and there will be no bending the rules. Consistency is the key in any relationship.

Enjoy the time you have with your teen; it won't be long before they are out of the house and getting attitude from their children and you can sit back and laugh.