"Do As I Say Not As I Do" .

Jake started an annoying (and disrespectful) habit this weekend of "threatening" us whenever we didn't do something he wanted. Here's an example:

"Mom, can I have some more juice?"
"Sorry, Jake, but you've had enough sugar today. I can get you some water if you want."
"If you don't get me some juice I AM GOING TO KICK YOU IN THE KNEES!" (Or "in the penis" if he was speaking to Brian.) Other variations included: throwing a book at us, hitting us with a bat, etc...
Charming, don't you think?

So, starting out with "effective parenting techniques" we had a discussion about threats and why they aren't OK and better ways to handle your anger, etc... etc.. ad nauseum. But it kept happening, despite time outs, logical consequences, you name it. We were completely fed up and frustrated. So at one point I said (loudly) "Jake, if you don't stop it I am going to spank you!" Note two things: One, I have never spanked this child and don't really believe in it. Two, it was probably an empty (yes, you named it...) THREAT.

Did Jake let this less than proud parenting moment slide? No. Of course not. This is what he said:

"Mom, you are the adult. You are supposed to be setting a good example for me. You and Dad have been telling me not to threaten you but YOU just threatened ME! How is that a good example? How am I supposed to learn?" That's verbatim- said with extreme sanctimony.

He may be smart, but his self preservation instinct is clearly not his strong suit.