Wild Child - Fort Belvoir,VA

Wow, that sounds just like my son who is 2 1/2 going on 20 1/2. He has lately been ripping up things and poking/pushing his little brother (9 mos). He is a smart little boy with and incredible memory. He tests EVERY limit there is. He is very adventurous and curious and very much ALL boy and then some. I think he is reincarnated of some daredevil. Maybe dale earnhardt since he loves cars and racing and crashing. We do everything from time out to taking things away. My front hall closet is filled with "banned" items that are either used as a weapon or have been thrown repeatedly in the house or tossed around like he doesn't care about them. Lately he also plays a little rough with our 12 1/2 year old blind partially deaf dog. She is so good though, she just gets up and walks away. It is like he gets these bursts of energy and we have to just grab him and get him to settle down and relax. He often is sent to his playroom to read a book when he just gets WILD. Good thing he is in pre-school two days a week or I would have no hair on my head or constant lump on my forehead from beating it against the wall some days. Today happened to be one of those days. I do feel your frustrations. I am also currently a stay at home mom of two boys. Where are you located in the area?

My son is 3 1/2 and also a very spirited child. There is a good book called "Raising your spirited child" that really helps you realize how to deal with a spirited child and why he may be this way. My son doesn't do a lot of breaking, but he is very curious and really craves attention. So, I understand how it can take a long time to get chores done. With my son it has worked best to try and include him in house hold tasks (if interested). My son loved to stand on the step stool and help with dishes or cooking (of course not assuming he will accomplish the tasks). It just kept him close at hand and busy. I don't know what area you are in, but I would be interested in meeting. My husband is in the Army and I am staying at home right now. Send me a message if you are interested.

Hi V., I had the same issues and i found out my son has ADHD. Since thein I have been doing the some new htings and things are better. I was in denial that something can be wrong because being boys and being spirited boys are another. Just a thought. I have 3 kids only one has it. He is starting out grow it

V.,

My son is 18 months old, so not the same age as your son, but just as "spirited." I won't offer any advice (I hear it all the time...mostly unsolicited), I will just say that I understand, and applaud you for searching for different ways to discipline. It can be terriby exhausting and frustrating going through every tactic you know, and sometimes at the end of the day I know for me, I wonder how I got through it. (I am also 5 weeks away from my due date with our second so that may also be why :-) ). It is also good that you keep you son's sweet, sensitive, and caring personality in mind. I know that sometimes I can quickly forget the sweet ways that my sons makes my heart melt, and the way he makes me smile and laugh. Good luck to you in finding a playmate for your son, I know that can be very helpful. Just wanted to let you know that I feel your pain...and happiness.
-A.