Yes, this is normal behavior for a kid (mine is 15) to act that way about clothes as well as many other things
Yes, it is difficult to discipline, but you must do it for the kids' sake. Just remember that what works for one will not always work for the other
Never stoop to their level. It is healthy to let them know when they have done wrong and that it is unacceptable, but getting smart with them is a downward spiral. You need to be that granite slab that has your own set of commandments carved on it but is solid and "chill". Kids need a parent that is willing to tell them no in the right way.
Finding a compromise is good for the non deal-breaker situations. We have restricted the hours of electronics at our house, but also make allowances. Maybe you can tell your daughter that she doesn't have to wear it (since she can just take it off when she gets to school), but she must at least take it with her. This allows her to know you care, but lets her have some independence and make decisions on her own too.
As far as the sneaking the earbuds goes, this is a devious behavior and I deal with deceit harshly, but make allowances for accidents graciously. Earbuds: you could take them somewhere and put them away in your desk at work for a week. Phone/ipod is a low hanging fruit for punishment which can be easily overused.
More importantly, PICK YOUR BATTLES Not all fields are worth dying on. If we as parents dig in our heels on everything it is impossible for anyone to be happy and they will think they have to be perfect which is a big source of anxiety.
I just turned 50 March 10th and our kids are 24(married and living in Atlanta) 22,living at home and commuting to college, and 15....our high schooler who wants to go to Johns Hopkins...or Princeton. She is our rebellious one, but all of them go through that at some point.Statistics: Posted by Ronster — Fri Mar 23, 2018 3:18 pm
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