I'm the mum of the naughty kid :'(
My daughter is a bit rough with some of her friends.
Sometimes she's fantastic and sometimes she pushes or pulls hair.
I have tried everything I can think of to combat this; time out, punishments, taking away toys or iPads or tv time. Yes I have even given her a smack on the hand. I have taken her away from the situation making her go home instead of being able to keep playing with friends.
My mum has suggested it might be an attention thing (she's 3 1/2 and I have a 8 month old) but even when I spend time with her one on one she still plays up.
I have just been told by one of my best friends that she doesn't want to meet up because my daughter hurts her daughter.
I am feeling bad and guilty enough without being told this and now I just feel like a complete failure.
I have tried explaining to my daughter that her friends won't want to play anymore but she just doesn't seem to understand or care.
I am bawling my eyes out as in at such a loss of what else I can do to fix this.
I should note that she's fantastic with kids she doesn't know. It's only her actual friends that she's rough with.
1 Replies
I am the mother of "that boy" so I feel your pain. It's awkward at 3.5. Have you taken her to your Gp and sought out any issues with behaviour. It could be something really simple (in that field) or it could just be jealousy for mum. Persistence is the main thing. (My son is now 11 and I have had issues with him from when he was 6!!) the only things that have worked with him to to purposefully spend time with him doing something he likes for at least 20-40 mins (depends on time and activity) but being clear about what we will do and how long I will stay for eg "I will play lego with you now, this will be a long/short play" and then give warnings for a minute or so before you stop playing and stick to your guns. For the record, my son has no behavioural issues, yes we've had him assessed. He simply isn't empathetic yet, he's learning.
3.5 year olds understand boundaries and will respond to someone who keeps their word. You can this!!