Growing a Spine

If a child argues with you and you give in, then they will learn that arguing (or in this case whining) will get them their way. How can one be shocked when said child argues with EVERYTHING that you say. It is a monster that was created; a behavior that was learned. So, how can one get so frustrated with said child that they are arguing. One minute they get their way and the next minute they are being yelled at for arguing. ARRRGH!

When said child asks me for something and I say no, she says "poo" and goes on about her day. When her mother does the same, 20 minutes of arguing, whining, and possible fit throwing ensue (we are talking about an 8 year old here). Her mother just can't understand why said child's responses vary so much. The answer is easy: When I say do it, I mean do it or else and when I say no, I mean no. This does not seem complicated to me.