I have a four year old girl who has an attitude problem. I think she thinks that she is 16 years old. She just started Pre-K and loves school. This year she is coming out of her shell and is shining- her class loves her. But, she is coming home like she is being spoiled at school and thinking she is the prima donna- thus acting like what she says goes and has an attitude problem when she doesn't get it. She even told me that she likes school better.
How would you deal with this? I am happy that she loves school, but she needs to get her attitude in check. Help!!
2006-10-05 07:19:08 · 16 answers · asked by kelliemag 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Discipline and consequences need to be clear and followed at home.
Contact the teacher and explain your problem. You two can work together to help the child.
2006-10-05 07:23:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are so not alone! I am going through the very same thing.
Everyone goes on and on about the terrible 2's but no one says anything about the trying 3's and 4's. I have been told this doesn't change though out the school years. But I don't believe this. Just keep what your doing, being the best mother you can be, laying a good foundation for your children to follow.
Tell her that you don't like her attitude, why you don't like it, how it makes you feel, etc. But if she doesn't change her ways, she will lose a loved toy for a day or 2, or she can't go on a special outing.
When talking to her get down to level, and talk in a clam voice, maybe take a few breaths to clam down ( I know I have to!)
Good luck!
2006-10-05 07:46:30 · answer #2 · answered by serbfam4 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
4 Year Old Attitude
2016-11-07 08:31:28 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to remember that at 4, they are at an egocentric stage of development and it will soon pass. It isn't an attitude but just another stage of development.
The theory of mind, which develops markedly between the ages of 3 and 5, includes awareness of a child's own thought processes, social cognition, understanding that people can hold false beliefs, ability to deceive, ability to distinguish appearance from reality, and ability to distinguish fantasy from reality. Every child goes through this stage where they are the only ones that matter, have no consideration of time or it is their way or the highway. When they turn 5, it all changes and they become more empathetic and compliant.
This all means that she is gaining a self awareness and that she matters in her world. So it isn't an attitude you should correct. You don't want to give her a complex. That will lower her self-esteem. Just encourage her through and be proud. And of course you don't want her to run the show and be defiant, so you let her know what is acceptable and what isn't. Follow through with consequences.
2006-10-05 08:36:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Anybody dealing with a 4 year old attitude?``?
I have a four year old girl who has an attitude problem. I think she thinks that she is 16 years old. She just started Pre-K and loves school. This year she is coming out of her shell and is shining- her class loves her. But, she is coming home like she is being spoiled at school and thinking...
2015-08-18 22:56:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck!
My 16 year old daughter has had that attitude since she was TWO.
I used to call her my "Toddler With Attitude."
She's testing her limits. You need to choose your battles with a child like this, and decide if something is really "worth" the hassle of the fight. You will come to understand that some things can be overlooked, and sometimes you'll need to stand your ground.
I would also make sure that she knows the rules. My wife had my daughters tell her what all the rules of the house were, and she wrote them down (kids KNOW what the rules are - my daughters thought this was a neat excercise.)
We posted the rules the kids said on the refrigerator, and then had them come up with "punishments" (time out, loss of privileges, stuff like that) for breaking each rule.
Involving them in these steps helped them to feel like they had control - which is what they are looking for anyway.
Some rules we had to impose, of course - like bedtime. Others they knew and accepted. Overall, it did help them to understand that there are rules of behavior, and you are expected to live within them.
And never, ever forget WHO THE ADULT IS.
2006-10-05 07:42:10 · answer #6 · answered by jbtascam 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm going through the same exact thing!!! What I'm doing (and some parents don't believe in it) is when she gets this attitude with me, and doesn't get her way, she starts crying, so I whip her butt, and tell her to cry some more. I keep spanking her (usually no more than twice) until she calms down and then I sit her in time out for 5 minutes, no cartoons, no toys, no coloring...nothing she enjoys! I make her think about how she's acting and also make her apologize to me for whatever attitude I received. She's doing better, but I have to stay on her constantly. It gets aggravating at times, but your PATIENCE must shine through right now, and consistency. Whatever you do to punish her, you must stick to it so she knows you're serious, and don't back down - ever. She must understand YOU'RE the boss, and what you say goes.....NO MATTER WHAT. Also, after you get on to her and her punishment is over, have a pep talk with her about WHY she got in trouble and that you love her very much and just want her to be good. Good luck!
2006-10-05 08:18:52 · answer #7 · answered by Shining Ray of Light 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Time to break down the rules!
If you dont control her now think how she will be in middle school those preteen years and all.
Don't let her talk back or anything
Reward good behavior
You also could have a parent teacher conference with the teacher and see what all the teachers input is on everything.
2006-10-05 07:26:59 · answer #8 · answered by mellow_26241 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds exactly like my 4 year old who doesn't go to school. I tell ya I can't even cuddle with my hubby because everything has to be about her. I sat mine down and told her that I do not like her attitude and no one likes people like that. I felt mean doing it but she has to realize the world does not revolve around her. She still pulls attitude on me but I remind her daily that we have feelings too.
2006-10-05 07:28:06 · answer #9 · answered by R C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two 4 year old foster children and one of them...OMG has the attitude from you know where. We don't put up with it, as with foster kids they try to get away with more than just your own children...(my belief). He throws things at us, tries to hit us, tells us he doesn't like our house anymore...etc...you get the picture...we just plainly say...that's fine but fix your attitude or find a corner...and sometimes he will fix it, but most of the time it's the corner...especially if he doesn't take a nap!
2006-10-05 07:35:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok first no tv. It warps young minds. Second, when she is behaving badly, tell her that if she behaves like that she will be punished(time out, or head in the corner works good) So tell her what will happen if she acts bad. If she acts bad punish her. If she refuses to go to her room or stand in the corner take her and place her back no mater how many times. After a fair amount of time has passed tell her that you did that because the way she is acting is unacceptible. And if she does it again it will be the same thing. Whatever you do dont give in to her. And ignore her when shes being punished. You should watch the show "super nanny" you would learn alot
2006-10-05 07:23:34 · answer #11 · answered by john 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋