living with annoying child- help!?

Question

My (live in) boyfriend's son is getting to be extremely annoying. He whines and makes petty demands constantly (i.e., screaming about finding mushrooms in an omlet). the boyfriend doesn't seem bothered by this, but I am, and I worry about having company. Is 7 years old just too young to expect good manners, or should I say something?

Answer 1

Use reverse psychology....it always works. Muahuahuahua!!!!

Answer 2

Saddly good manners n appresiation r becoming a thing of the past. This is generation spoilt brats. But most young ones dont like mushrooms N r finiky a bout many foods esspeacialy healthy food Urs is not the only 1. Save a lot of greif n win his love or at least his respect by modifing ur menu 2 his favorites. Ud do that for ur own child wouldent u! Iv done it 4 three of my own. It saves a lot of arguing n the little one is nurished. Other wise say dont eat it n Ill put it in the fridg n warm it up when ur hungry. That use 2 work with mine.

Answer 3

A child in kindergarten is supposed to exhibit some form of basic acceptable behaviors. A child at age 7, has been in school for presumably about 3 years. This means that at least somewhere he is expected to know how to behave when interacting in various social situations. So, I would certainly expect basic table manners to be observed, as well as other age appropriate behaviors in the home. I think it would be appropriate to say something to your boyfriend. The child either needs some form of discipline or professional intervention, because this sort of behavior could lead to serious social adjustment problems as he grows older. Could the child possibly be jealous of you and your relationship with his father? Is there a mother in the picture, or does your boyfriend have sole custody? There could be acceptance problems of the perceived replacement issues also contributing. But whatever the cause, the child needs some sort of social training , whether it be disciplinary or professional. Good luck. It will be a difficult problem to deal with at that age,. But for the child's sake, something needs to be done.

Answer 4

7 years old is a difficult age they need stability and boundaries. There may be an underlying cause for his behaviour, if this is a new relationship he is probably feeling that you have taken his fathers affection and he will act out in anger and confusion because he desperately needs to feel loved. Maybe its just lack of boundaries and discipline. Talk to your boyfriend about how he can reassure the boy that he is loved and important and how he is expected to behave.

I have a 7 year old grandson who was well behaved and very polite, when his parents separated and new partners came on the scene he changed completely, cries over everything, lashes out in anger unexpectedly, doesn't like anything, he's not naughty he is broken hearted and this is the only way he knows to express it.

Answer 5

7 is too old to be screaming about things like finding mushrooms in his eggs. Tell your boyfriend to start disiplining this child and teach him some manners. Tell the son that he sounds like a little girl when he whines, that should shut him up.

Answer 6

wow, that does sound annoying....my b/f has two daughters, the older one is not even 7 yet and she would never scream about food like that or other pety things. She usually just says "I really don't like that" and she eats around it, not a big deal. I'd say something if I were you! Maybe just simply ask your boyfriend if his son is picky about everything and explain to him that it might be fun and a good idea to get him to experiment with new things and also to learn to control his emotions about freaking out over things.
Maybe next time he does something, say the food issue again, just tell him that you will be happy to help him when he calms down and speaks to you like a big boy instead of a little boy. That always gets to my bunch (3, 4 and 6). Try something this is heading down the road of complete spoiled bratism!

Answer 7

7 years old is NOT too young to expect good manners. In fact, it is time to DEMAND respect from him. If the boyfriend has an objection to you doing that, then isn't it better to find out the kind of problems you are facing now?

Answer 8

No age is too young to expect good manners. That is something that should be taught from day one as far as I'm concerned. I think that you should absolutely say something to your boyfriend about it since the son is staying at your home and it affects you. I've disciplined my boyfriend's son before. He's quite well-behaved around me now and since my boyfriend wasn't disciplining him, although he knew it needed to be done, he didn't have much to say to me when I started doing it. Maybe your boyfriend is just waiting for someone else to do the "dirty" work...

Answer 9

To begin- this topic should not be posted in the Toddler and Preschooler supcategory. I do think that it is a good question though. Seven years old is way too old to be acting like that. From the description I thought the child was three. Seven year olds can be annoying but he needs some restricions and bounderies. It starts with his dad though. If his dad lets him act like that the child certainly isnt going to listen to you.

Answer 10

I agree with Helen O. hahahahahahah reverse phsycology. But still, 7 years old is NOT to young for good manners! I have a good amount of cousins, as well as other children 7 years old and younger who behave pretty well. You should have a sit-down talk with your BF. If he really loves you, he'll try to solve the issue.

Answer 11

Since he is living with you, you have every right to step up to the plate and parent his child. Especially, if his son is behaving inappropriately. For instance, with the omlet... it is totally OK to get down at eye level and in a very soft but stern voice say, "I understand that you don't like mushrooms, so push them to the side of your plate. And if you continue to scream, you will be put in time out." If your boyfriend has a problem with it, then tell him that he needs to pay closer attention to the behavior of his child, or your going to. It may take awhile for him (his son) to earn your respect, but if you stay consistant and most importantly, FOLLOW THROUGH WITH WHAT YOU SAY, he will learn and learn quickly!! Don't say anything that is going to be impossible for you to follow through with. Like, "Your going to be grounded for the rest of your life if you don't shut up!" Life is a long time to be grounded. Set rules and expectations of his behavior. Start them now. And then when you have guests over, he will know what is expected from him and you if he decides to get out of line. ALSO....please remember to reward him with tons verbal praise and even little treats or prizes when you see him behavion appropriately! That is even more important then discipline. You don't want him looking at you like the evil step mother, he's just a kid! And it's hard to be rude and disrespectful to someone you like...