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Please define "backtalk"?

New category, same question.

My 13 yr son backtalks terribly, but doesn't see it. When I call him on it, he has replied "Backtalk? You don't know what backtalk is! You need to look up backtalk in the dictionary!" etc. Backtalking about backtalking. I just need to get him back in the real world, because he claims I am not a normal parent for making a big deal of his challenging me. My other kids aren't like this, BTW.

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  • 2 decades ago
    Favorite Answer

    Backtalk is arguing the point you brought up. Stop arguing the point with him....including what backtalk is or isn't.

    Simple rule of thumb: your house is not a democracy - kids do NOT get a vote. It's as simple as that, when he starts acting up.

    Start withdrawing privileges - without warning if necessary - and when he asks why, explain that he needs to adjust his attitude and learn how to speak to you with respect, rather than talking AT you and telling you how things are. When things improve to YOUR satisfaction, he can start getting things back.

    If he starts getting mouthy about it, give him a word (respect, responsibility, etc), tell him to find it in the dictionary, and write the word & definition 25, 50, 100, etc times for every infration.

    Trust me, it works!

  • 2 decades ago

    My daughter tried to pull that with me a few times and the last time she did it I popped her in the mouth. She understood quite quickly what backtalk was and I haven't had a problem since. She may go to her room and say things but she knows I better not hear it.

  • 2 decades ago

    Have him write the definition five hundred times has to get it done before he can go out with friends. Have him make a list with you of things that are backtalking and tell him if he uses them..........he will be grounded.

  • 2 decades ago

    Backtalking is arguing in a matter where he knows he isn't right. What I would do with him is let him say what he wants to say. Then CALMLY ask him if he is done and will he listen to what you have to say. See the reason why most teens today start "backtalking" is because their parents start nagging on them. Ease it into a conversation and except his opinion. Teens just want to be treated with respect. When I get into a fight with my mother I just let her say what she is going to say and then I say what I am going to say and then just try to come to a conclusion. Just let him talk but try to make it to where it's a peaceful conversation.

    NOTE: DON'T BY NO MEANS RAISE YOUR VOICE!

    Don't tell him to stop backtalking. He is just sticking up for himself. If you teach him never to stand up for what he wants or needs then he will just get ran over. Just try to do it peacefully.

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  • 2 decades ago

    I will tell you what my mother did the 1 (yes ONE) time I back talked her. She slapped my face, it taught me not to backtalk her. And yes my mother have a good relationship and I respect her for teaching me manners.

  • 2 decades ago

    Backtalking is what he's doing. Plus, he's reducing you from the authority in his life to something that is equal or beneath him.

  • 2 decades ago

    Where I come from, backtalk is usually responded with a backhand.

  • Anonymous
    2 decades ago

    You need to get him in the real world alright...the real world in which you as the parent don't put up with him back talking you under any circumstances and there is no such thing as challenging you about it.

    Let him look that up in the dictionary.

  • Anonymous
    2 decades ago

    Ah the good old days.Remember back when children respected their parents ? Did you ever get fresh and talk back? Was there a fear of retribution if you misbehaved .SMACK HIM and let him know who the parent is . If he calls Child services ,when they come tell them to keep him .Take a look at his face when they do . He`ll never threaten again.

  • 2 decades ago

    Backtalk

    Noun

    S: (n) sass, sassing, backtalk, back talk, lip, mouth (an impudent or insolent rejoinder) "don't give me any of your sass"

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