Hi Imperfect Mums. I have four children close in age, 7, 5, and twin 3-year-olds. The child I'm writing in about is one of the twins (the boy twin). He is an energetic boy who has a lot of outside play, running, climbing and eats well. We are a VERY low sugar house, largely because I thought it might combat his behaviour (it hasn't).
I think I've worked out, that his extreme naughty behaviour comes from a retaliation, when I've said no, or reprimanded him. He does things like, bite his sister, or the dog, throw objects around, kick things, find things (such as dish washing liquid, food colouring) that he's not allowed to have and pours them over the floor.
My husband, the other children and I feel like we live in a prison, where we have to literally lock EVERY door, cupboard and have nothing out. This includes toys, because they become missiles.
Today I told him that he couldn't have ice in his cup because we didn't have any, and he opened and slammed shut the microwave door over and over and over. It's not straight away that he does the behaviour, but it could be up to 20 minutes later.
We are consistent with discipline, he is removed from the room, and has to sit in the timeout space. We explain to him why he is there, and he says sorry. But this can happen upward of 20 times a day.
I have the patience of a saint, but it's wearing me down. Is there anyone out there with some other things we can try? I've really only just realised it was retaliation for not getting his own way, and I've googled, but can't seem to find anything helpful.
I will take him to the GP soon, because I feel like he's not "like the other children", and perhaps there is a behavioural reason he's like this? I'm just a bit lost. Thanks ladies.
2 Replies
I think definitely GP and Paediatrician will be the best option.
Definitely listen to your gut and get to that GP. It might be retaliation or it might be attention/reaction. If you can discretely video behaviours that can be helpful.