Parenting is a challenge even on a good day. But, depending on personal experience, different parents might tell you different things regarding the toughest age of kids to parent. Some might say the “terrible twos,” while others could point to the teen years.
However, a poll gives us what may be the closest we’ll come to a definitive answer.
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Nothing can be worse than the “terrible twos,” right?
I mean, it’s the perfect storm: kids are still learning language skills at this age, but they’re proficient enough (and mobile enough) to get up to all sorts of trouble.
The tantrums can be legendary, too.
A poll says the toughest age to parent is…eight-year-olds.
According to a survey by OnePoll, eight-year-olds constitute the most difficult-to-parent demographic among kids.
There are a few reasons why this emerged as the top choice, and they make more sense the more you think about them.
Eight is an ‘in between’ age.
While it’s just a few years removed from toddlerhood, many kids at this age are already getting ready for puberty.
Also, by eight, most kids are really starting to develop the personality they’ll inhabit in the years ahead.
It isn’t easy to corral an eight-year-old.
At this age, kids are old enough to do chores and old enough to know consequences…but also old enough to act out with defiance.
Survey respondents also said that seven-year-olds have the worst tantrums, which kind of leads into this larger narrative.
Parents, what age did you find hardest?
It’s always important to remember that, even though it might not seem like it, it isn’t always easy to be a kid.
Parents, let us know what age you found most difficult in the comments section!
