Advice Needed for Whining & Crying 5 Year Old

Updated on May 01, 2008
T.L. asks from Oswego, IL
5 answers

I am dating a wonderful man who is a divorcee with a 5 year old son who constantly whines and cries. His ex-wife and he share custody of his son, so he is at his mom's for half the week, and at his dads for half the week. The whining has gotten to the point of manipulation with my boyfriend, who knows he does not get attention from his mother, so he has a tendency to give in to what his son wants. His son cries over everything, and bedtime is quite the process. Borderline temper tantrums usually occur. The whining and crying a constant thing too...his son can not even ask for a drink of juice without whining about it, and IF he is told no, he cries. My boyfriend is aware of the issue, but feels like nothing can get better until I am moved in and helping with the issue. I suggested the 3 of us sitting down with his ex-wife and the 3 of us trying to get on the same page, but he says she will only tell us nothing is wrong. Any suggestions for help on the whining & crying?

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C.D.

answers from Bloomington on

The boy is just out of babyhood and he is expected to spend split his time and living arrangements between the people who are supposed to love him more than anyone/thing in the world. On top of that he is supposed to welcome his daddy's new girlfriend with open arms. Put yourself in his shoes- he does not think or act like an adult and he should not be expected to! Children at this (or any) age desire more than anything else in the world- consistency & love. Please be sympathetic to what he is gong through. Yes, the whining and crying are irritating- but you are not his parent and he should not have to answer to you yet. Personally, I don't think you should move in with the boyfriend unless you are married to him- this would just add to the inconsistency that this kid is already experiencing.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Chicago on

T.-

I don't know how long your boyfriend and his ex have been apart but it sounds to me like his world has been torn apart! I hate to say it but you guys are just going to have to deal with it for now. I have a 4 year old little boy and I can't imagine how he would handle mommy and daddy in 2 different houses! Just the thought of it breaks my heart! Please be patient with him and give him all the attention that he needs to get through this stage of his life. Just remember that he is JUST A CHILD! He does not know better! It is our job as parents to help our children understand that we love them unconditionally,once they know that the rest will fall into place. It just take time.

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L.C.

answers from Chicago on

I would let him know he would not get what he wanted until he stop crying. Put him in a room alone and let him cry. Don't let him come out until he stop crying. Some children act a certain way with their mother and act a different way with their father (when the parents are not together).

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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

buy and read the book 1-2-3 Magic and really implement it and it does really work like magic. using the process your child learns that he can't manipulate you and that you will not put up with his whining or other unfavorable behavior.

good luck!
J.

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B.K.

answers from Chicago on

Honestly, It is up to your boyfriend and his mother to figure out what to do. I know you have to deal with it, but he isn't your son. Unless wedding bells are in the near future, there is nothing you can, or should, do or suggest.

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