7-Year-Old and High Level of Frustration

Question:

Our seven year-old is very bright, social, and out going. She is very daring and often makes decisions that escalate into more than they started out being. For example, when she’s doing something like talking back she doesn’t know when to stop she become so over the top frustrated that then she starts getting defiant when she is told to go to her room etc…She has a you can’t get me kinda attitude. I’m sure she is just pushing it off or hiding the hurt. How do we help her? I recognize that we all make bad decisions. I’d like to teach her how to recognize the bad decision and apologize etc before she makes it worse.

Thank you 

Answer:

My name is Laurie Prusso. In my real life, I am the mother of six sons and grandmother of six too. I am also an instructor of child development at a community college in California. I am happy to respond to your letter asking for help with your very bright seven-year-old daughter.