My 7-year-old daughter wants to go bike riding every day after school. Some days I can take her and other days it is a hardship. Today I told her we could go in 2 hours. She replied, "No, 1 hour." and had attitude. What should I do?
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ANSWERS: 18
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First, it is wonderful that your daughter has an avid intrest in something that is so healthy, and that you join her in the activity. You are helping to promote a healthy lifestyle for your daughter. I would maybe try and distract her with something else to do, until you have the time to go on a ride with her, or suggest that she ride in the driveway until you can join her (if that is an option). You could try to explain to her that you understand that she wants to go right away, but there are some things that you must do first. Maybe you could ask her to help you with them, so they get done more quickly. My son is only 2, so I don't know, but does she know how to tell time (one hour vs. two)?
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I personally, would send her to clean her room, and tell her "it's two hours, and only then if your room is clean"... (In the calmest way possible) If I got any more fuss, I'd cancel the bike ride all together and we'd be cleaning the whole house. She's right at the age where the sassing starts to ramp up, but still young enough to be taught respect. It's a fun age, so you just be firm, and don't respond to sass with an angry tone (that's how they learn which buttons to push). Only let her have her argument when she presents it like a mature adult. That will teach her to disagree gracefully.
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Put your foot down. You are the parent. Calmly explain that mommy(or Daddy if you are Daddy) cannot take her right now, but you will go in two hours. If she persists with the attitude, tell her that she will have to forgo the bike ride today and if she behaves tomorrow, then you will take her on a ride tomorrow. Be calm and firm. She may test you at first, but sooner (hopefully) or later, she will learn that you mean what you say.
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If she starts the "ante" game, just say, "OK, because of your defiant attitude, it's now 3 hours, and any more actions like that will get today's ride cancelled".
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You don't go today. Maybe tomorrow.
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my response to that would be 'if you're going to have that attitude we won't go at all.' but then, i'm of the sort who does not tolerate sass and there are immediate consequences for disrespect like that. i don't mind them asking why (again, with proper attitude) or presenting an argument, but once that's done, and if the answer remains no, no is no. you shouldn't let it slide however - she needs to understand that while you enjoy spending time with her and are happy she wants to do something fun and healthy - she also is not the center of the house and needs to respect you as the parent. she doesn't call the shots here - you do.
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When my son tries to pull that I say "We will go in two hours or not at all, the choice is yours." If he tries to continue to argue (which is most of the time) I add "This discussion is over. It is 2 hours or not at all, and if you bring it up again we will not go." I have had to walk out of Cold Stone Creamery, and restaurants and stores to make my point and to have him realize that I do follow through with what I say.
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I'd then say, too bad, not today, then. Thus is impatience and rudeness rewarded. It's called facing consequences of your actions.
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then don't take her at all. Teach her now that if she talks back to you she wont get ANYTHING! She's 7, you don't want to hear what she can do by the times she's 15. ugh!
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You say, "well, now that you are unable to be respectful to me, we don't go! Maybe tomorrow, you can speak to me appropriately, and then we will go."
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I would say, "In that case, we aren't going at all, and if that attitude does not change, we won't be going tomorrow either". And stick with it.
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If she cops a 'tude, she doesn't get to go at all -- rules of the game.
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I would never let her strart calling the shots like that. I would skip a few days and tell her why or at very least, I would stick to the 2 hrs
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You are lucky your daughter likes biking, or any physical activity. If I were in her situation, I would just go ahead and bike. I do not need to be taken anywhere.
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Tell her you said 2 hours and that's final. She can either go in 2 hours or not go at all. I know it sounds kinda mean, but you have to stand by what you say.
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You're the mother. TELL her NO, TWO hours. If she gives you attitude or throws a tantrum, say, "Not at all, then. You're grounded tonight. Go to your room, and stay there until supper."
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tell her 2 hours or not at all. if you stick to what you say they learn to apresate what you do for them. don't let her decide when or what you will be doing your the parent and you know whats best.
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I would say she wouldnt go at all then, and if she still had attitude she wouldnt go the day after either, to be honest if you cant manage it every day you should decide which days you can and tell her its that or nothing. I have a 7 year old too and I know what you mean about the attitude lol!
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