problematic child

You mean it don't get any better the older they get! My oldest is 8 and he is already a problem! Mouths off, talks back, don't listen, but yet expects us to do everything for him! I thought maybe he would out grow this the older he got. Looks like I am wrong I guess I don't know what I would do. Suppose I should try to kick it in the butt now before it gets worse!

For starters, I would have gotten control and established communication with my child from the time he was just a little guy. It's much easier if you start that way at the beginning. However, dealing with a stubborn adolescent isn't as hard as it might sound. First of all, keep an open mind and remember that he's not just doing this to spite you. It goes with the age and is a natural part of developing independence and growing up. When you tell him something, stick to it and follow through. Don't ever let him think that if he persists in his behavior he's going to end up getting his way. Allow him to test his wings when no one is going to get hurt by what he's doing. And keep a sense of humor. Someday you and he are going to laugh about the things he did.