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Behaviour/development

Strange behaviour in 6 year old dts

3 replies

Comingfoccacia · 13/05/2014 21:46

I'm hoping someone can shed some light. My 6 year old dts occasionally hits himself and says "I'm stupid", usually when I've asked him to do something he doesn't want to do. I find it quite alarming and have tried not to react. But why does he do it? He's doing really well at school though socially he hasn't fitted in as well as his twin sister, though I think this is a boy thing. No behaviour problems apart from your usual boisterous play. At home he is good, he eats and sleeps well. He also reckons that nobody cares about him but when he go through all of his family members that love him (there are a lot) he is OK. I do have one on one time with him and have tried to see if anything troubles him but he says not. We have never said he's stupid. Bit bewildered!

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LastingLight · 14/05/2014 08:02

My dd never hit herself but we also had the "I'm stupid" and "nobody loves me". Even now at 11 it sometimes still pops up, especially if she's tired or hungry or upset about something. I don't think you need to worry. My response to it is simply "I'm sorry you feel that you're stupid. I think you're smart and kind".

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Cast1ststone · 14/05/2014 20:03

It is just how he deals with feeling inferior. Just comfort him, let him have his tantrum and accept that you are in control not him. I would not look into it like a mental disease but a kid being immature and not knowing how to deal with his emotions. Maybe look up some ways to help him verbally express himself before he blows up. Give him a but more control in things like ask him what his punishment should be for not doing such and such. Give him a bit of power of choice but be guiding him to make the right choices.

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Comingfoccacia · 15/05/2014 08:20

Thanks for the replies, it is much appreciated. cast1stone I like your suggestions particularly about letting him choose his punishment. Thanks again

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