Re: "I miss my mommy!" as a get-out-of-jail-free card? Phoenix5822: I agree that 4 year olds can be manipulative. My daughter (4) has learned that the word "hate" holds a lot of power and throws it around whenever she isn't getting her way. Same situation....your stepchild has learned that "missing mommy" gives her power.
Have you tried saying..."really? when you get through with X we can pull out the photo albums if you'd like". or "we can discuss that after X" Something to confirm that you realize it is difficult and want to talk about it, but that the task at hand still needs to be done. Unfortunately, there is no instant cure-all (or none that I have found, if anyone has it PLEASE SHARE!!!) for a 4 year olds stubborness when they have found something that works (or used to work). Time and consistency are the only things that seem to help.
Good luck!
Re: "I miss my mommy!" as a get-out-of-jail-free card? octoberbaby: I have a step-son and he uses every exuse in the book, I want my mommy, my leg or eyeball is broke...EVERYTHING....We just say this is how we do it at our house and we are the boss so you pretty much have to listen and most of the time his dad is the one you makes these statements to him. there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Which sucks
