Hi, Please post anonymously.
I am a mum of 3 boys and would like some advice regarding the behaviour of my 5 year old, who is typically testing boundaries, which is expected. I am quite a strict parent and I expect the child to listen the first time he is spoken to, without repeating. He manages to do this with his father, so he clearly has the ability to. So I have a no-nonsense approach with him and use the naughty corner method or I remove privileges when there is misbehavior – no TV for the evening or a toy taken away. The consequence depends on the severity of his actions.
Recently, I have noticed the more he pushes at the boundaries and the more I hold my ground, he acts out at school. It’s almost like it’s built up frustration. We had a particularly difficult morning before school earlier this week, which meant he was in the naughty corner for not listening in the morning. Then after school, I get a call that he has hit another child, for raising her hand in class???? I had a word with my son and told him that I don’t expect this and you know better. I left it at that. Then I also get spoken to about him scratching another child, and then looking under the toilet cubicle doors to just be silly etc. Bearing in mind, we have only been in school for 2 weeks!!
It doesn’t seem like any other child has this issue, and I wouldn’t expect hitting to still be happening past the toddler stage.
I’m questioning a lot of things, whether he gets enough sleep at night (his little brother likes to wonder the house at 2am and wake up the whole house). Or whether my disciplinary approach makes him feel a type of way. Or something else? Because the head teacher has now been made aware of his behaviour, and I don’t want him being labelled as a problem, especially when I try so hard at home to put him on the straight and narrow, but obviously can’t be at school all day long to ensure he also behaves there.
I wonder if anyone has any advice?
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