I am a rubbish parent to 5 year old at times

[samsysoo]

I get really fed up with my (v bright)5 yr olds obstinacy. It is embarrassing to go to friends house tonight and him tell me he isn't going home and no he won't apologise for breaking the tree etc. eventually he does what I say but usually under some threat or other. he then gets angry- tonight he hit me 3 times and eventually got a spank back. It sounds disastrous because it sometimes is. We haven't had a night like this for a while but I feel so deflated when we do. I just feel like a rubbish parent. Does this happen to anyone else???? I need sympathy or advice- how can I change this around.HELP

[squilly]

We all have our 'crappy mommy' moments, but don't beat yourself up about this. Your lad is clearly high spirited and that's not always easy to deal with. It doesn't make you a bad parent. The fact that you care enough to post about it shows you're completely the opposite.

I don't have any wisdom to share about parenting, I'm afraid, being slightly crappy round the edges myself, but I guarantee there'll be 20 good parents giving good advice in the next few hours.

Eease up on yourself gal....You're no more rubbish than the next parent, and probably a darn site better than most, so sit back, relax now the little fella's in bed and wait for the advice.

[samsysoo]

This made me cry. Thank you for your kind support. You're right I know But it is hard at times.

[yorkiemom]

samsysoo, your not a rubbish parent your human.
Everyone has bad days, and better ones, don't beat yourself up, you are concerned and trying to putthings right.
Sorry don't have much advise as my two drive me crazy most of the time, and I just stumble along, hoping that I'm being consistent, and trying to learn my two a sence of right and wrong, (not easy - I know!!)

Good luck and hope you have a better day todayxx

[onwardandupward]

You could try www.takingchildrenseriously.com

it's about guiding and negotiating and being flexible rather than disciplining. Might work better with a very bright child who can see through the arbitrary rules of adults...

[samsysoo]

thanks i will take a look at rhe site