Childcare expert and the face of Supernanny UK Jo Frost has explained how to handle one common habit your kids do which might come across as "rude" but it's not always the case

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. The first year, in particular, comes with its surprises, from sleep regressions, teething to the start of your little one's weaning journey.

Now when your little bundle of joy begins to talk and show their personality, that becomes a whole level of parenting which you must learn on the job. Teaching discipline can be controversial with many mums and dads having their own method of gaining respect from their young ones. But how do you respond when your child starts back chatting? Supernanny Jo Frost has an important message to share with you.

In a recent TikTok post with her 32,300 followers, the childcare expert said: "A lot of parents will say 'my child back chats' and I say 'do they back chat? Or are they giving you their opinion', because there's a difference."

While she claimed back chat is most certainly rude and disrespectful, Frost urged parents to know the difference.

She continued: "Your children [is] telling you something that they feel strongly about is their opinion, not back chat.

"And children should be able to exercise voice, how they feel, respectfully and you know with that communication, a child can feel emotionally heated."

Giving her advice, the TV personality advised parents to "reset" when things are "getting out of hand" so everyone can stay respectful to each other.

She concluded: "And then you can continue, if you need to take five minutes, then take five minutes. But again, there is a difference between back chat and opinion."

Your kids back chatting is a completely normal part of their development, it happens as they test boundaries, express frustration or manage big emotions, a common theme during toddlerhood.

It can also be a sign of tiredness, hunger or learning behaviour, rather than just disobedience. Parents are urged to respond by staying calm, setting clear communication boundaries and encouraging respectful expression of feelings.

How to handle back chatting:

Stay calm: Most importantly, don't lose your temper as your calm response sets the tone. And don't take it personally either.

Set boundaries: Let your child know what kind of language or tone is acceptable at home. For example, you could say: "I can tell you're mad, but I cannot listen when you speak to me like that."

Offer re-dos: Encourage them to rephrase their complaint in a more respectful manner.

Focus on connection: Techniques like the 7-7-7 rule can ensure they feel heard, reducing the need for outbursts.