This is prolly more a general parenting question. I have an 8 year old SD, and recently, she's not doing the usual procrastination when it comes to chores. Lately she's been throwing fits about being scared and oh this house is so creepy and the door came open by itself yada yada (here come the fake tears) when I know full well she hears scary stories all the time and its never bothered her before. I dont let her read or watch the stuff, so I know its an obnoxious act and an attempt to get out of doing whatever it is i asked her to do. ( take the garbage to the garage, take cans out there for recycling) I seriously about lost it this time because its obnoxious and soooo transparent. I told her if the garage was too scary for her not to ask to watch any more scary movies or hear any scary stories, oh and it also must be too scary outside to walk next door to your friend's house, so you better stay home. It was prolly harsh, so I went back and told her that i'd give her an hour to do the chore and if she doesn't get the chores done, she doesn't get to play with her friend. I believe she's old enough to learn that decisions we make have consequences. How should I handle these outbursts? Her father doesn't condone it either, but how should I handle it when it happens and I'm alone with her? He's been gone and I've had her by myself this month. Is it just her giving me a hard time?