Suggestions for Disciplining Son

My son has acted the same way since entering kindergarten. I have done time outs with those only aggravating him more. What has worked for me is that when he gets home he has a snack and some quiet time. He is drained when he gets home. I stopped bombarding him with questions when he got home and just kind of waited for him to be ready to talk. It is now January and he is very pleasant when he gets home. He talks about his day and because I have given him the chance to have quiet time when he comes home, he recognizes when he needs it now. It has not been easy but it is finally working. Good luck

I agree with most of the suggestions but part of me wonders if it is something else as well. I wonder if he is getting bullied or pushed around by another child and instead of being that way at school, he is being that way to his little sister. My other thought is maybe there is a bit of jealousy that his sister is still home with mom. I see that you are a work at home mom so I am guessing before he started school he was at home with you too. Not to say he doesn't like school, but when he gets home he probably realizes how much he likes being with mommy and is jealous of his sister so he takes it out on her. Just some possibilities.

He just needs to destress... my husband is actually the same way lol. When he gets home from work, I leave him alone for about 20 min (he ususally takes the dog for a walk), and he is fine after, if I start asking him questions or rush him to do something for me right away he gets defensive and moody for a bit.

Routine is probably the easiest way to handle it so he knows whats next and isn't so wound up about it. The option of helping with dinner or even going for a short walk would relax him - my teenager helps with dinner and that is ususally when we do most of our talking. He's a person too and feels the stress... help him deal with it :)

Good luck!

I don't know where you live but Ruth Freeman runs a Positive Parenting workshop and is also a private conselor ____@____.com. I have worked w/her before. I know it's hard but ignore the bad behavior. When he settles down and does something you like notice it or even his sister. I see Jane is sitting and eating her snack. Totally ignore him and once he does a behavior you want-Jack I see/notice/appreciate/like when you _________. At first the behavior will get worse but once he sees that you will not connect w/him wnen hes doing unwanted behavior but will when it's welcomed behavior you'll be surprised how fast it will change. It's tough to get use to for both of you but once you both get into the habit it is wonderful.

I agree with the first respone, we (as well as our children) need a few moments to ourselves when we get home. My 6 yr old boy and i get home round 5pm and I try to find creative solutions for all problems. For about 3 weeks, a yr ago, he had no toys, he had listening skill issues so I put all toys in closet and locked them up and I mean ALL toys and no TV. So all he had to do was color and look at books. Recently he couldn't stop peeing on seat, so i had him draw a picture of a toilet seat and he wrote Cameron pick up toilet seat, casue telling him 15,ooo times didnt work. The most important thing is to come up with a solution that will make kids think, they don't want to loose this toy, thing or activity, and stick with the punishment, be brave be bold!