[cero]

Lately our smallest tot in the house has had a serious attitude issue going on and its always at the peak when she visits with her cousins, one in particular. Their family is lax to a point but I think its brushing off and we can not figure out how to plainly tell her that its not acceptable. She is either too emotional (almost wimp like) or full of attitude, there is no middle ground. Help!

[TilaM]

I have seen that happen with kids. Some of the kids with stronger personalities will influence the others. I don't have kids but I have seen some parents (like my own) say, "If you keep acting this way you aren't going to see (cousin) anymore." If it's family it might be difficult to enforce that.

[Livvie]

Oh no, how old is the youngest tot? It's a tough one, do you think she is playing you when they act all wimpy? I would just tell her plain and simple that her attitude is not acceptable and she will not be allowed to play with her cousin.

[Cricket]

It's amazing how you can have a child who is so difficult to deal with. I remember my Mother telling me that she hoped I had a child "who acted just like me". Unfortunately I did, and it was rather difficult to raise her, but we did succeed. The only thing you can do is to keep explaining what behavior is acceptable and what isn't. Then enforce it even when she is with her cousins. If you stick to your guns, then things will work out.