L.T.
I've been there. It is normal behavior, but obviously not acceptable. When my kids talk to me like that I tell them they need to talk nicely to me, follow rules and directions, etc. I give timeouts and take away privileges for sassing. I model saying "please", "thank you" etc so they will do it. I also have discussions with them about my jobs as a mom - to love them, to educate them, to teach them how to act, to keep them safe and healthy, etc. That seems to make it look like I am following rules in an official mom handbook. :) I also read stories to them about manners, being friends, etc. I praise them when they have spoken or acted respectfully toward me. I think modeling and being consistent in how you handle the sassing will get you good results. I also had a talk with my husband. I told him that since I am with the kids 24/7 he needs to back me up in the discipline department. He needs to let them know their behavior toward me in not acceptable and he needs to go along with the punishments I give out. If he has an issue we can discuss it and we can change it together. Otherwise, if he simply disregards what I have set in motion he has taken away my authority and therefore my ability to teach and guide our children's behavior. Good luck!