J.P.
I liked the one ladies idea of having a family conference,and explaining that "in this household these things are NOT accepted. Lying, talking back, etc." (I don't think soap in the mouth is a good thing though- that was actually on Super nanny one night and that Mom got in all kinds of trouble!) Make sure you and your husband show a united front though. Maybe you could try the light system, like they do in schools. (Or 1-5 for your son being a little older.) Make a chart for the fridge and he always starts on green.(or 5) Every offense his magnet gets moved. There is 1 freebie chance to try again but when he gets to red a privledge is taken away. I think a week is too long for that age. Probably 1 day is better. The next day he starts at green again with a clear slate. Sometimes people will allow them to move the magnet back one if the child does something extra nice. That's up to you. PS- I have an 8 y/o too, and he's recentley started talking back sarcastically and calling me "woman" so we may implement this too. Good Luck!