Whatever.
When said in a flat monotone or a sarcastic sneer and accompanied by a fierce eye roll, it sends me over the edge. I can handle attitude and whininess and even a bit of profanity sprinkled in, but that “whatever” is like nails on a chalkboard.
My 8-year-old girl “whatevered” me for the first time today as I was trying to explain something to her while she was engaged in a game on her iPad. Uh-uh. Nope. Not happening. I snatched that device from her and made sure she knew that was unacceptable in this house. I explained to her that it is very disrespectful to the person that is speaking to her. It implies that what the person is saying is so very unimportant. I am not sure I made an impact.
I knew this day was coming. Since her birth, she has been a force of nature. When my 13-year-old son “whatevered” me for the first time, I had the same reaction and I am not sure I have heard him utter it since. But with my daughter, I fear it is just the beginning of sighs, eye rolls, slammed doors and sarcastic whatevers. I can almost hear my mother laughing from the great beyond.
What does your kid do or say that gets your blood boiling?
Oh my goodness! This sounds just like my 7 year old! She is so sassy and whiny at the same time! She goes from acting like a 2 year old to a 16 year old! It just grates me nerves so bad! We are really working on it right now but it seems like as we go one step forward we move two steps back!
Yes, they often seem so much older. And with a 13 year old in the house too, I am surrounded by drama. Best of luck and thanks for reading!