You really could be writing my own story! It must be an age thing, my DS1 is nearly 4 too. He has always been a really good, easy-going boy, but over the last few months he has become naughty, short tempered and rude to DH and I. Like you, we haven't raised him that way! I have been feeling so upset about it, wondering where I have gone wrong.

This is what I'm currently doing with my DS, don't think I'm suggesting you do it, i just wanted to share! When DS speaks rudely to me I pull him up on it straight away and make him apologise. If he has demanded something rudely (for example "Get me a drink!") I will tell him that I won't help him while he speaks that way and I make him ask me nicely. I started up a points chart - when he says or does something good (eg. helps me clean up or asks politely for something without prompting) he gets a point. When he gets 5 points he gets a special treat. I have a container full of balloons, stickers, glitter pens, etc. I refuse to reward him with anything sweet anymore! If DS has been naughty or rude, he loses a point. This has really made a big difference in his behaviour. I think the rewards chart has made me focus more on his positives instead of always telling him off. We still have our days though! But I think those days are when I don't implement the chart as much.

If you find a magic solution, please let me know!