Question
I am continually perplexed by the verbal altercations with my older teen. It is like she is purposefully trying to pick a fight. Yesterday, for example, we were both sitting in the office doing work and she asked me to go upstairs and get her something. I told her I would be glad to if I were heading in that direction but that I was busy working and had no plans any time soon. Despite delivering that in the most neutral tone, she immediately turned on the attack saying she gets things for us so we adults needed to jump at her requests as well. She carried on, fuming mad, with this child-centered diatribe. Just minutes before we had all had a pleasant lunch together with great conversation. Ten minutes after this outburst she apologized, said she doesn't know what comes over her, that she knows she is about to explode with really hurtful words but can't stop herself. We are growing tired of this pattern which brings such tension to our household and need your advice on how to handle.
