You’re the Meanest …
I was swapping stories with a friend the other day and I was sooo happy to hear that I wasn’t the only “meanest Dad” in the world. To my chagrin, my friend was explaining that his 7 year old daughter was just calling him that same name that very morning for making her do her math flashcards.
Now granted, I’m not that mean, but I do hear that sometimes and I wear it as a badge of courage. Translation, there are boundaries and rules to be followed and your child doesn’t like them.
This typically starts around age 6 when your child is just starting to strut their independence in 1st grade and they figure they’ll try the same thing at home. Do not cave on your discipline whatever it may be. Your child needs to hear that you’re still in charge and there are still rules at home.
Do like I do and wear it happily. When your child sees that it doesn’t bother you and, even better, doesn’t change your behavior, the name calling stops.
Perfect time for a teachable moment to explain why you’re enforcing a command (safety, bedtime, etc). They’ll store it away - lesson learned!