How are we supposed to respond when our kids talk back? Some experts say it’s normal child behavior, and as such, we should take a deep breath and ignore it. We say no way. But yelling “How dare you talk to me like that in my house?” isn’t getting us anywhere, either. So what’s the best response?
In this episode we discuss

how our kids’ talking back can really be about underlying anxiety
how talking back is also about who’s in control
how our response is the key to setting ongoing expectations
why it’s harder for us to handle talking back when it happens in public
why Margaret thinks it’s okay if our kids think we’re a little bit like Darth Vader
why Amy says a little Yoda thrown in there might not be the worst idea

We like Dr. Laura Markham’s suggestion for a better thing to say when kids talk back:

You can tell me what you’re upset about without attacking me. What’s going on?

Even for grownups, there’s a difference between standing up for yourself and being rude. We want our kids to have the ability to do the former without the latter. Which means we have to show them how to do it.
Here’s links to other articles and research discussed in this episode:
Dr. Laura Markham for Psychology Today: What To Do When Your Kid Talks Back
Tamekia Reece for Parents: What To Do When Kids Talk Back
Dr. Michele Borba for Parents: Helping Kids Handle Anger
The Military Wife and Mom: How to Handle Back Talk and Disrespect Like a Parenting Warrior
Joseph P. Allen et al, University of Virginia: Predictors of Susceptibility to Peer Influence Regarding Substance Use in Adolescence
…and Margaret recommended the book What Children Learn From Their Parents’ Marriages
How do you handle back-talk? Tell us in the comments!
This week’s sponsor, Nutrafol, is a new, safe and effective strategy to take control of your hair health. it’s made with 100% drug-free, nutraceutical ingredients clinically shown to improve thinning hair. And Nutrafol’s Formula for Women is specifically developed with women’s lifestyles and life cycles in mind. To get your first month’s supply for just $10 when you subscribe, visit nutrafol.com and enter the code LAUGHING at checkout.

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that shops, plans, and delivers step-by-step recipes and pre-measured ingredients so you can just cook, eat, and enjoy. Get out of that recipe rut and start cooking outside of your comfort zone by discovering new, delicious recipes each week. To save $20 off each of your first 3 boxes, go to hellofresh.com/mother60 and enter the code mother60.