Is it normal for a 7 year old girl to act like a rebellious teen?

Question

My daughter is in the 2nd grade and will turn 7 in a month. Lately everything is a fight. She argues about everything I ask her to do from morning to night. Is this normal? For punishment she losses privileges like going to the park and watching tv and timeouts. And I NEVER give in to her arguments. She does great at school so there are no issues there. She just can't seem to keep herself from arguing with her dad and me.

Answer 1

I have a 8 yr old. Yes it starts around 7 and ends, Well I'm not sure I have a 20 yr old step son who is still in that stage. I let my child argue respectfully. She is aloud to tell me what she thinks and sometimes I do admit if I'm being unfair. Sometimes as parents we forget they are people too and they have their own opinions. I can sometimes be too protective and might I say overbearing? I sometimes want it all my way and treat them as if they are 3 still. Good luck to ya.

Answer 2

I am going through this same thing with my 8 y/o.  She says it's because she is trying to grow up and I won't let her.  I am still looking for a solution.

Answer 3

my cousin acts the same way so i would have to say yes i would ground her and spank her don't give in she will know who the house belongs to

i know how it is i watch 7 kids all r bad the same thing always up for a fight

Answer 4

It sounds like your daughter needs a spanking. Spank her soundly the next time she does this and warn her that if she behaves like this again she will get another. If she starts to do this again warn her that she will be spanked if she keeps it up.  She will probably stop then but if she doesn't you should spank her again.  It is doubtful that she will ever do this again after she has been punished once or twice in this manner.

Note that by spanking I mean at least 3 and no more than 7 hard swats on her butt with your hand.

Answer 5

It sounds normal to me.  

As for "never" giving in to her arguments - if you don't teach her how to negotiate now, how/when will she ever learn?  I'm NOT suggesting that you let her run the house, but why not ask her (after a conflict's been resolved) what made her feel like what you were asking was so bad/wrong?  And really listen to her - repeat back to her what you think she said.  You'll help her learn how to listen/pay attention to what others are saying.  Maybe you could give her some options and let her choose behaviors that she wants to exhibit as well as consequences that she feels are right/fair if she chooses not to follow the rules.

Not a great example but if she doesn't want to get a bath at 7:00, then when does she think it would be a good time?  Ask her why?  Does she have a valid point?  You don't have to "give in" to her, but you could help her understand/ reason through WHY bathtime at 7:00 makes sense or tell her that you will try to move bath time to 7:30, but if she's not in bed by 8:00, then no bedtime story?

You're the parent and you need to give her life skills (while still trying to retain some bit of sanity in your life!), and it's clear that there's a power struggle going on... you just need to figure out what things are worth fighting over and which things aren't - otherwise ANYTHING you ask/tell her to do will be met with disrespect/rebellion and it'll only get worse as she gets older.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

I think it is perfectly normal.  I have a 7 y/o (almost 8) and she has her moments.  She goes through mood swings and everything, almost like a pre-PMS!  Standing temper tantrums, stomping and slamming of doors.  We curbed the door thing by telling her we were going to take it off the hinges if she does it again :)  Be creative and fair!  Good luck!

Answer 7

No, it's not normal.  You should talk to her and ask her what is wrong.