School-age tantrums

[Misty9]

Ds, 5, is in reception and probably getting tired as his first term comes to an end. But his behaviour is atrocious. We've had issues for years but he was more settled over the summer and start of school.

It's hard to describe his meltdowns but triggers include boundaries being enforced and getting frustrated (by putting on clothes for example). He then kind of growls and throws himself on the floor crying. It doesn't last long but happens again and again and can go on for hours. It's exhausting :( if we ask him.what the problem is, we just get "i don't know". We've tried everything to manage it, from cuddling to thinking step to reward charts. Nothing works.

Anyone else have a child like this?!

[Ezzer47]

Hi, I feel your pain, funnily enough I also posted yesterday on my 6year old behaving very similarly (under my other mumsnet name Lazygaze- dont ask, not sure why I have 2different accounts!) . Also got no response 😭 Will keep my eye here in case you get any comments. We will get through this.... xxx

[srslylikeomg]

In my experience this is a classic when they start school. School is stressful, full of boundaries and rules (social rules and actual school rules) any more instructions and they just melt down. It'll pass I think, usually by year one ;)

[srslylikeomg]

In the meantime I found it useful to not tell them off for minor infringements and actively try not to nag. A dropped cup or odd socks etc I would let slide. I used to make an active decision to not tell my dd off at all for a whole day. It dramatically improved her behaviour!