Hi, I'm a single mum of a 7 1/2 year old boy, and we've been on our own close to 4 years, and in the last 12 months, he's become angry towards me, disrespectful, back chats, swears and sometimes throws things at me and has punched/hit me. Yet at school and to other people, he's an A student, polite and caring. I've tried to discipline him, which sometimes makes him worse, and time out, etc, to no avail. I'm at my breaking point, and don't know how much more I can take. Any advice or life experience would be greatly appreciated
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Usually at the start of a behaviour intervention the child's behaviour will escalate for a period of time before improving. When you try a punishment technique stick with it for at least a month. Yes he will be pissed at you because he is trying to rule the roost, so you putting your foot down will make him angry. It's going to take some time for things to improve, because he is in a power struggle he wants to be your boss. But best to follow through and be consistent now, even if he escalates for a week or two than trying to pull him into line when he is a teen and man sized!