https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 24 May 2026 15:26:21 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1028349 Mon, 19 Aug 2013 01:50:56 +0000 PointeShoesTutus 1028349@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would never say it aloud, but I've certainly thought it before. If someone called my (nonexistent at this point) kid a brat, I'd be offended if it came from a stranger and hurt if it came from family. Now for some reason, I'm not as bothered by the idea of saying "stop being a brat" to my own child if he/she was being bratty. But I'm bothered by the thought of others saying that. I'm childless at the moment so I may change my mind once I actually have kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1028186 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:04:00 +0000 808love 1028186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't call a kid a brat and I would be offended if anyone called my kid a brat. I just call out the specific negative behavior followed by the positive acceptable behavior.<br /> Mrs. Lemon Lime: I get what you are saying.</p> <p>Eta: in my opinion, it is like someone else calling my husband a jerk or my mom a b. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1028167 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:43:54 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1028167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a soccer coach during the school yet to 11yr olds-14year olds so you'd better believe I've called them some things...preteens will really test a person's patience. I'll sometimes says, "quit acting like a brat" or "I don't need bratty attitudes". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1028147 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 20:25:25 +0000 sarac 1028147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: This has been my experience, in general. Spoiled, bratty behavior often has a lot to do with hunger, tiredness, and sometimes a lack of boundaries in their life. The first two reasons are why I always try to give them the benefit of the doubt. I know that when I'm hungry or tired it can take a lot of effort not to just start shouting at people. I've had a whole lifetime to develop the control not to do so, and I don't expect my two year old to have that, yet. But we work on it, and we try to avoid situations where we might feel that way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027911 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 17:10:34 +0000 .twist. 1027911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Haha yes, we've told our boys they are acting like brats. </p> <p>My brother nicknamed me brat when I was a kid, it's never been a bad thing to me... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027880 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:47:11 +0000 BananaPancakes 1027880@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Never out loud. And honestly, I almost always give the benefit of the doubt and assume the kid is just tired or hungry. I don't think I can even name one child I know personally that is a brat. My son has his brat moments for sure, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027866 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:35:06 +0000 BSB 1027866@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, to my sisters kids. She was a teenager with attitude and I was just out college.</p> <p>Now that we've been through TTC and IF, I try to not judge parents or kids.</p> <p>ETA: I do have to add that my niece is now in college and is such a thoughtful and considerate young woman. She definitely has the guts to speak her mind but knows when it won't help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027846 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:29:24 +0000 loveisstrange 1027846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Yeah, i think every human being alive has bratty moments, regardless of upbringing or parenting. You basically just said that anyone whos kids have moments of that kind of behavior are crappy parents, so thanks for that. You basically just insulted just about every parent.... ever. I think when ones child acts like that all the time, then it can be blamed on parenting. </p> <p>I dont at all think that pointing out to your child when they are acting in an unacceptable manner is shunning them. The first step in correcting your own behavior is learning to recognize when its happening. I struggle with depression and that is how I control it, I recognize the thought and behavior patterns which are causing the emotions and I correct myself. </p> <p>Is it something I do frequently? No. Is it something I say sometimes? Yes, it is. Do I think Im doing irreversible harm to her psyche? No. I think thats taking it a little far. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027836 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:20:13 +0000 MrsH 1027836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Only in my head. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027832 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:19:00 +0000 lilteacherbee 1027832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 11 year old cousin is spoiled and totally disrespectful. It's definitely caused by the way he has been raised, but at his age, he knows better and can change his behavior. He has been given virtually everything he ever asks for- gaming systems at 5 years old,an iPhone at 10, he rides around on his parents riding lawn mower (NOT cutting grass) all weekend long and they pay for the gas he wastes. He also has NO responsibilities, no chores, or anything. He is completely disrespectful to adults and routinely ignores people and/or tells them to shut up. I try to talk to him and tell him why he shouldn't be acting that way, but he doesn't care. It would cause a family feud if I said anything to his parents (my mom has tried many times).</p> <p>I teach 4 year olds and I expect them to respect me. I don't do well with my little cousin (who lives next door to my parents and was a "little brother" figure) being a brat. It's to the point now where I've told my family that my little boy will not be around this child unless something changes. He will not grow up thinking this behavior is acceptable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027821 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:15:30 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1027821@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: @loveisstrange: Yeah, I just googled it. Interesting how Wikipedia squarely puts the behavior back on the parent. The parent did not set limits therefore the ugly behavior rears it head. So maybe the parent should be informed their kid is a brat and not shun the child? I will admit I am sensitive to name calling and I have yet to see where name calling said in jest or meant to mock/ shame is helpful.</p> <p>ETA: happy to read that you guys follow up with what is acceptavle behavior and help the kids work through their emotions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027818 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:14:22 +0000 Kiki 1027818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it would be hitting, whining, or tantrum because something did not go their way. </p> <p>my son's favorite bratty behaviour is whining or crying because he cannot get a toy at the store. We are extremely lax on the toys, both kids have WAY more than they should so when he acts like that it makes me not want to continue that way.</p> <p>Yes I always follow up with why that way bratty. Depending on how bad it was, it might be after they calm down and can think rationally again. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027813 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:10:33 +0000 artsyfartsy 1027813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Only out loud to my sister. But in my head plenty of times!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027811 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:08:46 +0000 runsyellowlites 1027811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Here's Websters definition<br /> a : child; specifically : an ill-mannered annoying child <a><br /> b : an ill-mannered immature person</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027810 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:07:39 +0000 loveisstrange 1027810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Because saying someone is ACTING like a brat is criticizing their behavior, not them as a person. </p> <p>To me a brat is obnoxious behavior relating to being spoiled, ie spoiled brat, and its not exclusive to kids. I dont see it as a catch-all word for bad behavior. Its a specific type, for example throwing a tantrum when you dont get your way, are told no, or dont get something you want.</p> <p>And yes, it would be followed up by an explanation of why the behavior is unacceptable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027809 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:07:23 +0000 runsyellowlites 1027809@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kiki: Agreed. I think there comes a time where some behaviors are just unacceptable regardless of reason &amp; we have to learn to control ourselves.</p> <p>Those are when we remind G, "Do you see dad &amp; I throwing fits or acting ____ way b/c we didn't get our way?.. Exactly, b/c it's not acceptable." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027806 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:06:47 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1027806@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kiki: so what is bratty behavior?</p> <p>And if you tell a kid they are acting like a brat, behavior that does not happen often, how does the child know what they are doing to stop acting as such? Once you call a kid a brat is that followed up with an explanation of the poor behavior and what they can do to fix it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027805 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:06:36 +0000 avivoca 1027805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tell my niece and nephew when they are acting like brats. Their mom never disciplines them, and it's so aggravating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027803 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 16:03:11 +0000 Kiki 1027803@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>the difference to me is</p> <p>Act like a brat: occasionally showing signs of bratty behaviour</p> <p>To be a brat: ALWAYS or more often than not showing signs of bratty behaviour </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027794 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:58:24 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1027794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, what is brat behavior? I witness unsavory behavior and have been called out on it when I was kid, but using "brat" as a catch all word to describe the behavior is not helpful.</p> <p>And what is the difference between telling someone they are acting like a brat and are a brat? To me it's all name calling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027793 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:57:11 +0000 loveisstrange 1027793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kiki: preach! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027786 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:50:00 +0000 Kiki 1027786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>haha I have told my own children that they were acting like brats. How will they ever know how others see them if we (as parents) don't tell them? To me acting like a brat is unacceptable, no matter the reason. Do I expect my 15 month old to know that yet, nope, but I will make damn sure she knows that behaviour is not acceptable. I have no problem telling my 7 year old to "suck it up"when he is acting this way. </p> <p>They will never know how other perceive them if we do not tell them!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027774 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:40:38 +0000 cyndistar3 1027774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Never out loud but I have thought it many times! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027769 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:36:32 +0000 sarac 1027769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would NEVER say that to my child or out loud to another child. In my daughter, 99% of bratty behavior is totally due to hunger, tiredness, over stimulation. All things out of her control, that she really shouldn't be expected to respond politely to anyway. In other children I usually assume the same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027766 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 15:34:35 +0000 loveisstrange 1027766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: Yep. Thats my thoughts on it too. I remember being told I was acting like a brat as a kid and, you know... I probably was. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027717 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:55:51 +0000 runsyellowlites 1027717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@loveisstrange: Oh.. yea we've told G he's acting like a brat before. It always really upsets him "You shouldn't call me names... *pout*" &amp; so we have to affirm that we don't think he's actually a brat &amp; that's why we want him to act like HIM &amp; not like he's acting. lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027708 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:52:30 +0000 swedishfish 1027708@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I called my 5 year old cousin a brat when I was 10 because he took my seat at my uncle's wedding. It was an assigned seat by my new aunt (the bride) so I could sit next to my girl cousins I hardly saw (they live out of state). He told me that his mom told him to sit there because my cousins were "babysitting" him - all of our parents were at the table next to us. My aunt (cousin's mom - not the bride) came over, yelled at me and poked me in the chest. My parents were out of the reception at that moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027697 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:46:27 +0000 loveisstrange 1027697@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not to the parent's face. I do tell C she's acting like a brat sometimes. I think there's a difference between someone acting like a brat and someone being a brat.</p> <p>I do know a few kids that are just straight brats though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027696 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:45:13 +0000 oliviaoblivia 1027696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yep. Outloud.<br /> We were out to eat with FIL who uses a walker and these two ten year olds were taking up the only three seats available to people waiting for tables. I had asked them nicely to make way, they refused so I called them out on it. And then had all of the other people around me commend me for speaking up. Punks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-called-a-kid-a-brat#post-1027693 Sun, 18 Aug 2013 14:41:28 +0000 autumnlove 1027693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@runsyellowlites: True blue brat! Lol </p>