I don't know what I would do when it comes to the cousins or their mum, but I will share some advice you can use to hopefully curb the bahviour in your son.  Next time he does the bad behaviour, tell him that "we don't do this in our family".  You can extend that by saying "we're a very special family and we don't ______", but given the current situation in the cousins' home, you don't want him to think you are saying you're a better family than theirs, and you especially don't want him to say something like that in front of their mum!  When my oldest started having real trouble with sharing things, for a few weeks everytime he didn't share when he should have (I also believe in letting him have some things all to himself) I would remind him that we share in our family.  Now he gets pride out of sharing and even tells me how we share in our family.  I hope that helps a little.

Whenever I post online about something someone else has done (that isn't positive), I prefer to be anonymous. How would your cousin feel if she had a Minti account, you were friends, and she read this knowing it was her and that it wasn't anonymous? Don't feel guilty for offering that kindness.

As for the situation... I'd sit down with your husband, explain to him what you think the ground rules for your house should be, and then explain to your cousin that you've implemented certain rules and certain consequences for breaking them for your house. Make sure she knows that if they come and visit, her children are subject to your rules and either she can enforce them or you will.

Hi,

It is so frustrating when they start that behaviour, and you feel like you will never have a polite child again! But the best method I found with my kids was to let them do what they want when it doesn't really matter.

For example, I wanted my daughter to wear a certain dress when we were going out one day and she threw it on the floor, stood on it and told me if I didn't let her wear pants she would hate me forever. I decided it really wasn't important, so I let it go.

In other words, pick your battles, but once you have one picked, NEVER LOSE!!!  :)

Good Luck, but I'm sure he will grow out of it pretty quickly!

This is not a good situation to be in and I feel for you but hopefully if you stick to your guns and your boundaries and remove things from your son when he is rude or give him time out he will realize that that is not how he is allowed to behave..I would even do it in front of visitors and the cousins so that they no it is not ok behaviour as well... Be Consistent (it is awful having him say he hates you but it is not true believe that)

I would set some ground rules for the cousins ( or anyone else) if they come into your house they play by your rules and that includes time outs for inappropriate behaviour. You could sit your cousin and hubby down and explain to them what you are doing and that is your rules and they come over with those in mind, and they need to both help reenforce your rules.

I can understand that due to probs in their house they are acting out and dont have any rules or boundaries so they are out of control but that does not excuse them from behaving in this way whilst in your house.

I hope that your little polite boy will return soon.

Good luck

Cheers Spinnychic