Normal for 8 year olds to display some attitude?

Question

My girl has always had a flare for the dramatic. She is 8 and is a great kid. She cares about her family and is compassionate. She is concerned for the environment and our family got a foster child and adopted an almost extinct animal from the federal park because of her desire to do so. Her teacher said that she is confident and very good in school. But I think that she is too confident. She is very sure that she is always right, and others are wrong and doesn't like advise. She will argue sometimes or use a rude tone of voice and want the last word. Sometimes this attitude comes out. Not all the time, but often enough.

She says that I am VERY strict and that she gets away with nothing. But if that is so true, than why does she argue?

I am wondering if this is natural at this age for kids to display a more independent and social attitude, and need to be reminded to show more respect at home?

I am handling it pretty good I think, but any tips are welcome as well.

Answer 1

She shouldn't have an attitude with you, as her parent. My younger sister is 10 and she sounds very similar to what you've descsribed (except less into the environment) and she is always getting an attitude with our parents. She thinks she knows everything and my parents are too tired to deal with her. She seriously lacks respect for our family and I always tell my parents that they need to do something about that.

Respect is very important, and even if you are annoying your daughter or something, she shouldn't have an attitude with you. When my parents, especially my mom bug me about something or just keep talking about something I am uninterested in, I will just stay quiet and hear them out because I have respect for them as the people who raised me.

You should be firm with her and make her understand that she is only 8 years old and really doesn't know anything about the world and that when you give her advice or tell her to do things, it is because you care about her.

Answer 2

It's normal. Don't worry! She's growing up.

Answer 3

trust me yes!

but then some do

change and become really

nice and great but that's how life is.

Answer 4

Let her have some freedom like myspace and let her do things like spend the night at friends often.

Answer 5

Its natural.  My 7 y/o has been doing the same.  She is testing the waters to see how far she can push you.  Simply let her tell you why something is, and if wrong ask why she beleives shes right.  then sit her down and look it up if she is not.

You need to somehow teach her to be more humble and its ok to be wrong sometimes and taking advise sometimes really helps.

Answer 6

seems normal to me, maybe u need to examine whether or not she has a point

Answer 7

They say that kids now-a-days are learning things young. She's just trying to survive in this world. I know it's going to be totally different then what you were brought up with. Just let her know she can't get too mouthy with you because once you let that slide there is no stopping. Goodluck.

Answer 8

im pretty sure It's normal. im not a parent, but i babysit children the same age, and they're exactly like that.

Answer 9

i was just like that! my mom just started ignoring me, and acting like i didn't exist. then like whenever they'd ask us do you guys want Red Lobster or Pizza, they wouldn't count me. I actually got over it. Don't worry, it's a fase, a lot of kids go through  it!

Answer 10

Its really awesome that she has her own opinions and seems knowledgeable.  Being 8 can be a tough time- hormones can b changing from one day to the next and its just exhausting.  Theres two kinds of strict: passive and aggressive.

You cant let her walk up on you and just scream in your face in front of like 500 people, while wanting to do something.  what are you going to do? You dont scream back- you calmly preach and teach that it cant be tolerated... it may seem im getting off of your subject here but bear with me.

Being wrong  to her may mean she doesnt want others to lean against her. She could be a possibly independent girl...

maybe she wants to feel right all the time to feel  better about herself...maybe she wants the attention that only bossiness is the way to go right now... i think that id actually take a stepp back and speek so understandable and so nicely for a WHILE to show her that being too confident and rude can be hurtful... not only for others.... its just a phase i dont know- theres a million reasons and excuses- theres a better way in writing this- but i gotta log- but good luck- being tough is hard sometimes- tough love shows a stong woman how to survive.

maybe im over my head here

Answer 11

It's normal for a kid to behave that way, but be warned... she's going to be QUITE the teenager.

Answer 12

It's actually a good thing for her to display attitude to a degree it shows that she is independent and this will help her in the future, however too much attitude is not a good thing, she must understand that she can have some effect on the world so she doesn't feel hopeless, but she needs to understand that she is in fact only 8.  I can't really give you valid advice because I don't know your child and there is no one right thing to do.  Parenting is very individual, but good luck.

Answer 13

I'm a 14 year old, and I'm from a big family. My sis is 7 and she has an extreme attitude. I think it's normal, but can be curbed. She rules over our parents by crying for everything to get her way.

Don't let her rule you. Continue being strict. I think parents seriously need to realize that if they don't their kids will walk all over them, like my sister is doing now.

{{...*Spontania*...}}

Answer 14

It is normal for children, especially girls, to display an attitude at this age. She is testing out her boundaries and independence. However, that does not mean you should accept her backtalk. Please don't let your daughter become a smart mouth. I am so sick of those. Also, keep in mind that she might be getting inspirations from sassy teenagers in movies, shows, or real life, and therefore it is "cool" to be disrespectful.