Parenting is a unique and personal experience for everyone. There is no denying that every age of childhood is filled with trials and tribulations.
But apparently, there is one age that is particularly difficult for moms and dads. According to a new poll, parents are saying age 8 is the most difficult to parent.
All new parents are warned about the terrible twos.
By two years old, most kids are walking on their own and beginning to get a grasp on their language skills.
The unfortunate reality is that the first word most children really come to understand is the word ” no .”
Then there are those who would argue that 3-4 years is the most challenging time.
As Homer Simpson once poetically put: “the sooner kids talk, the sooner they talk back .”
I may not have any children of my own, but I’ve babysat my nieces and nephews enough that I know this to be true.
I’m sorry to break this news to parents who thought the worst was over.
If you’re looking at your five, six or seven-year-old and thinking well thank gosh they’re not a toddler anymore , I do have some unfortunate news.
According to a new poll run by OnePoll , age eight is the worst of the worst.
Of the 2000 parents that responded to the survey, the overwhelming consensus was that 8-years-olds are the worst!
The polled parents revealed that age 6 was much easier than they had anticipated.
Whereas age 7 produced the most wicked temper tantrums that any of them had ever seen.
When you think about it, it *actually* makes a lot of sense!
Eight is the beginning stages of prepping for puberty for many kids.
They feel they’re too old to be called “kids” but of course, not old enough to not be considered kids — they’re not even tweens yet!
Author Kristi Pahr goes on to explain how age 8 is a huge mental development point for children.
“Eight-year-olds can be stubborn and defiant, slamming doors and rolling eyes, in their attempts to establish their independence and individuality,” Kristi explains in her article (published via Parents.com).
She says that a staple of 8-year-old behavior is ignoring their parents.
This is the time when many will start to act out and truly begin to test the boundaries of rebellion for the first time.
So don’t be surprised when your 8-year-old pretends like they don’t hear you.
Parents also need to be prepared for a little bit of heartache.
I know this is going to sound hard to hear for a lot of parents, but when you’re child turns 8 — they aren’t going to want you around as much.
Be prepared to loosen the leash as your child embraces their independence .
But try not to worry. At the end of the day, they’re still kids.
This means that even in those moments when they’re ignoring you or claiming that they want nothing to do with you — you’re still going to be the first person they come running for when something goes awry.
Yes, parenting an 8-year-old is hard work but so is being an 8-year-old!
Nothing is more frustrating than being told what you can’t do and 8-year-olds have to deal with this kind of disappointment a lot.
That’s why whenever possible, you should always choose to respond with patience and empathy.
Do you agree with the 2,000 parents who were polled? Or is there another age that you think is harder?
Let us know down below in the comments section! We would certainly love to hear from you.
h/t: Parents .
