My 5yr old has turned into a teenager, help!!

[indie_chic]

I have a 5 yr old son, he is a little bit shy at times but otherwise a lovely little boy. I have recently broke up with my partner but the pooching started a little before then possibly because of the atmosphere at home. He has got very moody and I really dont know what to do. He has started fussing over food, wanting what he wants on the tele all the time, and throwing a few tantrums.

I don't smack, and I don't shout (almost a physical impossibilty cause I am not all that loud). So how can I assert my authority and set some boundaries cause he is really testing them at the moment.

[kate1976]

Ignore his bad behaviour, praise his good, I'm totally for this method as I've seen it done successfully in a lot of homes!

Talk to him at his level, steady, calm tone in your voice and ask him why he feels like he does and explain that the split wasn't anything he did wrong, children like to blame themselves for a lot!! If he continues being naughty tell him that bad behaviour is not acceptable, put him on a naughty step/corner/chair for 5 minutes and just ignore him, I know it all sounds supernannyish but these techniques have been around for a while!

Another thing, christmas is coming up fast (unfortunately) so you could always tell him father christmas is watching, that worked on my son one year, he was good as gold!!

Good luck!

[vicars]

I found the best way is to set boundaries together - get them to agree what will happen - e.g. what time should we turn the tv off from tomorrow? lets gree what to have to eattomorrow etc. If they are happy to agree to it them they mostly agree to accept it when it happens. It may be as well that you need some quality time having fun in a park or something - getting out of the house into some green spaces can really bring the best out in them and hopefully stay with them. You could agree some treats once a week if they do what they agree. Otherwise I would suggest watching Supernanny!

[indie_chic]

We have a naughty step, which is ok. I just dont like putting him there ( abit soft I know). I like the idea of setting boundaries with him though, shall be sitting down after tea tonight, and discussing them with him.
Father Christmas is a good idea we are already counting the sleeps lol

[ummmm]

Take him firmly by the arm. Without hurting him of course. Put him in his bedroom and make him stay there until he can act in an appropriate manner. Then when he's good give him lot's of love. Be strong. It's a hard job. But we are raising the next generation of adults and theres nothing worse than a moody man!

[charmed24]

it is obvious to me that he is striving for attention just in the wrong way doing as the others have suggested is a good idea but add to it that you and his father both are friendly around him and you both must be together on the fact that you love him he will need reminding of this regulaly