Such an interesting thread!

My DD has started to 'talk back' not so much talking as she is still learning her words and sentences and while we only tell her enough is enough when she screeches at us but makes me feel good knowing she isn't afraid of our authority or the way we discipline her and shes comfortable to be herself. She is a very strong willed little girl and often its hard for her to listen to what she doesn't want to hear!

I think as children get older they get a better understanding what is appropriate to say to their parents, and really it comes down to the way every individual parents their children. My DPs family they can say whatever they like, tell MIL to shut up when she is being annoying but if i were to tell my mum to shut up i would have to run for the hills! And it works in their family.