You're Grounded

Maybe he's just a snide little smart ass. Caden my dear little almost 5 year old, well he's just been a little challenging behavior wise. He was my good obedient child, up until now. Oh he's still can be the sweetest little thing, like saying he'll take care of me when I don't feel well. Then he can be as defiant and stubborn as can be. I understand that kids don't like to do everything they're told, but omg he makes it into a big ol' whiny ordeal. The worst- his back talk. This kid doesn't know when to quit, he'll keep going and going.
So while I'm threatening grounding (I can't believe I have to ground a 4 year old) from xbox, tv, toys...he's saying things like "I'll still play my games, no you won't." Like hell I will kid! So he's grounded from tv and xbox this week, and I've also threatened to keep his birthday presents away from him since it's his party this weekend.
I have no idea what has gotten into him. I'm thinking he's just a spoiled brat or that he's picking up on the stress around here. Either way, I am hoping it's just a phase. He's not like that all the time, just isolated incidents during the day, so there's hope. Oh and the smart ass comments he makes, he's is just too smart for his own good. At the mall this weekend, I had stopped in the Pumpkin Patch to try to find him a new shirt for his birthday party. He had been misbehaving, and I was lecturing him while we were in the dressing room trying on a shirt.

Me-and you need to think about what you're doing. Before you do something ask yourself "is this going to get me into trouble?" (we're trying this shirt on and it's too big for my skinny little guy)
Him-Oh man......why is everything so big??? Is this going to get me into trouble?

He giggled. And I busted out laughing!! That's what I mean about smart ass, but sometimes it's just so funny!! He knew how to lighten the mood. He got a hug and a reminder that he's still grounded.