(CMR) For many parents, the “terrible two” is the most challenging year to parent, but in a recent survey, most parents said age eight is the year to fear.
According to Parents magazine, a recent survey by OnePoll, sponsored by Mixbook, found that the majority of parents think ages two, three, and four are a piece of cake compared to eight.
And Parents magazine writer Kristi Pahr agrees. Pahr explained that “Eight is hard! Eight is officially a big kid. Eight is personality and autonomy, and attitude that still wants to end the day with a snuggle and hug. Eight is the body prepping for puberty and the hormones that go along with it.”
Age eight is so tough that the majority of the 2,000 parents who responded to the OnePoll survey agreed that it was the most challenging year. Age 6 was better than expected, and age 7 produced the most intense tantrums, Parents magazine reported.
Pahr further explained that “eight-year-olds can be stubborn and defiant, slamming doors and rolling eyes, in their attempts to establish their independence and individuality. Acting like doing their chores is an act of torture is common, and straight-up ignoring their parents is an eight-year-old hallmark.”
At this age, the parent's patience is tested, and they often feel frustrated; however, eight-year-olds still need a hug after a rough day.
“It's hard parenting an 8-year-old, but it's hard being an 8-year-old too, so when possible, choose compassion when your 8-year-old is acting like an 8-year-old,” Pahr said.
If your child is not year eight years old, be prepared. It could be your roughest year of parenting.
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