4 year old boys?

[seaside*bliss]

My BF's 4 year old is staying with us right now, and he is a sweetheart, but man does he enjoy back talking! Guess he is figuring out what it's like to have his opinion heard. Is there a good way to tell him the difference between stating his opinion and being disrespectful? I have a feeling he is having a hard time seeing that what he says comes off that way

[MarissaNicole]

When I nannied I liked how the Mom handled this situation in respect to when she asked or told the kids to do something.... she taught them that the ONLY proper response to an adult was "Yes, Mommy" or "Yes Ms. Marissa"

I'm not meaning to say they couldn't ask questions or talk... but when they were asked to do chores, eat their veggies, quiet down, etc... then they were to respond that way... ofcourse it didn't always work but we would remind them by saying the correct response.

[DCJenn]

It's testing boundaries- the sass comes and goes. I live w/ a mouthy five-year old but I've learned that he's more of a jerk when he's hungry and/or tired. (must like the rest of us!)

We try to keep him fed and rested and on an even keel. and we explain (over and over and over) that backtalk is NOT acceptable.

Jenn

[Momo]

"he's more of a jerk when he's hungry and/or tired."

If they're getting mouthy I can often quell it w/snack time; low blood sugar really brings out the the sass around here. Naps also do wonders for turning shitty dispositions into sunshine!

[seaside*bliss]

thank you ladies! I feel a lot better knowing that it is normal =)