Is This Just a Stage?

OMG!!! What a relief I really thought I was the only 1 that had a 5 1/2 year old boy that "knew" more than me!!!
We argue about everything from small stuff to big stuff... to the point that I want to scream! although he has argued with me it feels like since the day he was born!!! My favorite answer used to be because I'm the boss...used to be...until your 3 year old tells you its going to be this way because he's the Boss! And you realize he's right! I'm tired, frustrated & just about willing to try anything. So please let me know if anything works!
K. D

YES that is a stage!!!! It has to be because I have a 6 years and a 5 year old there now they are both boys. Their dad and I are seperated and we have discused many times how to get him to stop and agree with at least some of the answers we give him. I am also in a good relationship with a wonderful guy (that both my kids like, never thought that would happen)and we have talked about what to do as well as with all the grandparents and they have four sets with step familys and extended famillys. The grandparents say it is the newer generation that added that stage into the picture. I will keep trying and if I find something I will keep you in mind and please do the samething I agree it is driving us nuts :)

i don't know? Why not turn the tables on your son. When he asks you a question ask him the same question back without answering him. for example.. If he says "Mommy, what color shirt should i wear today?" say "Hmm that is a great question, I don't know what color do you think you should wear?" Make eye contact with him to assure him you are listening and see what happens. even if he picks out a shirt that does not match let him wear it. it might make him feel good and confident about having made that decision on his own. It is worth a try..

good luck!

Hi K.,
I do know what you are talking about. The trick is to not argue with him. When he tells you "No its not" You tell him that its not nice to talk to someone like that. Explain to him how disrespectful it is to speak to adults like that. I know he is a child but he isn't dumb thats for sure. My 4 1/2 year old son does that to my mom. And i have to stop him in mid sentence when he does that. And explain how wrong that is to talk to his grandma like that. Believe me he will understand. It took about 2 weeks of reinforcement and it stopped.

my son, who is also 5, does the same thing to me. it's frustrating because it seems like most of our interactions are arguments about really silly stuff. it's nice to hear that somebody else has the same issue, even if it's a negative one :). i find myself saying, "well then why did you ask me if you already knew the answer?" about 20 times a day!