8-year-olds are hardest age to parent in a pandemic

Move over terrible twos, the hateful eights are here

The last year and a half hasn't been easy for anyone. Parents in particular found an already tough job ramp up several notches when a friendly neighborhood pandemic came a knocking. Parents with older kids no doubt relied heavily on their pals, the TV and iPad to assist with childcare. But having younger kids at home and trying to make work, work? Not a chance, pal. What, do you imagine, is the toughest age to parent through a pandemic? People speak in hushed tones about the terrible twos and the onslaught of raising a toddler, but a recent study found that it's actually eight-year-olds who are the hardest to raise in these unprecedented parenting times. The study of 2,000 parents of school-age children found that the average parent believes eight to be most difficult age, referred to by some as the 'Hateful Eights'. The study also revealed that this is usually the stage when kids start to become more independent. More self awareness and newfound insecurities can cause children to start to act out Like all phases in parenthood, this too shall pass, but if you do feel like you're being pushed to your limits with your eight-year-old, it's reassuring to know you're not alone.