Temper Tantrums???

Yes, I think that not having a schedule can cause a lot of problems. Especially if she isn't getting enough sleep. My son used to sleep 10 hours a night at that age and was horrible if he didn't get it. Also, I would try cutting back on the tv before bed... maybe turn it off 30 min to an hour before... I have heard that it can be a stimulant. Warnings used to work for us. I would tell hime that he has 15 min left before the tv was going off. I would also try to time it so that he wasn't in the middle of a show so that he didn't feel like it was taken away. Maybe try touching her on the shoulder or something to be sure that you have her attention, before you give her an instruction. My son would get so caught up that he didn't even hear me so when I would give a consequence like that, it was truly the first time he was aware of me there. I hope that some of these help. It sounds like she is like my son and really needs to be aware of what is happening and when. I also used a schedule that was on the wall and we set it up together so he had say. It gave bedtime, meals, study time, etc so that if he asked to do something, i could refer him to the schedule and not be the bad guy. (Using egg timers help with the warnings).

L.
Consistency in the answer here to your troubles....define for her basic expectations....such as 1. when it is 8pm it is bedtime and then make no exceptions and show her the clock and walk her to bed....730 medicine, do the same....give her something she can count on like she can and does at school, its sounds like you are not engaging in yelling and arguing which is the right thing to do as well so you are almost there. I find kids want to me helped more than they know or share with us, limit her ability to make choices to two things, apples or pears for snack....as her behavior improves, reward her with more freedom but dont overdo the praise and remember this is what is expected of her...one other thing to consider, is health, sometimes health issues are underlying cause for behavior, ear infections, cavities, tummy issues etc. and they feel at a loss to have the ability to tell us and so they act out, so make sure she is in good health and that this isnt something easily remedied with a better night sleep, more food, or meds for an issue. You also mentioned your husband has NEW job with longer hours, she may be having anxiety of this issue and not have the tools to express herself, talk to her about this. Have your husband make some special time for her and remind her that he loves her very much even when he is away, she may be angry he has left and confused as to why...children often make assumption about situations because we have neglected to explain them in an age appropriate manner....sit her down to talk about this new job and how it affects her possibly.
good luck
E.

There is an author/parent coach that I really like. His name is Chick Moorman. Two books that have really helped me are "Parent Talk", and "The Only 3 Discipline Strategies You Will Ever Need"
His suggestions and strategies have worked really well with my 3 children.
Good Luck!

Yes, it is very hard on the little ones- Not having a schedule. kids don't like change. I have two autistic sons and i have to have a schedule for everything...if i happen to mess up, oh boy, i'm in trouble! What Elana says is very good advice!
K. S.

This is called manipulation. Kids do not need schedules. Do you think that schedules were around 100 years ago? She needs consistency from you and dad.

Ignore the behavior to a certain extent. Time outs do not work for every child. Try telling Cassidy that she will have one chance to obey you. If she is not willing to listen you need to find a different way to discipline. Take away a webkinz for example. Something that she cherishes. Explain to her that this behavior is unacceptable and that there are consequences.

This is also normal for a 6 year old too. Does your school send home those neat little fliers about 6 year olds and their behavior?

Just make sure that for every action there is a reaction on your part. Change it up a bit. I think you are doing the right thing by staying calm and ignoring. Make sure that she understands that she has one warning. She is smart enough to know better.

Good luck

Parenting is fun!!