Six year old boy, under pressure and finding it hard to deal with his emotions

[Dingbatgirl]

Hi...first time I've posted on here. My ds has just started year 2. He has received help in the past with social skills at school, he hits others due to frustration, and can get scream and get upset when things don't go his way. He seems fine for a while, but when going through difficult times, such as starting reception, and this year at school, he can't cope emotionally. His teacher this year has just told me he 'has to learn to grow up' and not make a fuss when he can't get his own way, she has yet to contact me with his individual education plan. At the zoo last weekend he screamed and got frustrated when he had to wait to go on some play equipment, and tried to push another child. When I took him away to try and calm him, he punched me. Has anyone any similar experiences and any advice?

[Dottoressa]

Ohhhhhh... My DS, who's also just started Y2, struggles with this. We don't have exactly the same problems as you (he's a model child at school and in public) - but he just can't get the hang of dealing with his feelings/frustration. He ends up kicking and screaming, and I have been hit on more than one occasion. He is astronomically bright academically, but astronomically unable to deal with his emotions (4-y-o DD can do it miles better than he can), which makes for a v tiring life. You are not alone!

[Dingbatgirl]

Thanks Dottoressa, it's just reassuring to hear he's not the only one. Your son sounds just like mine, he is an intelligent little boy, my dd also can deal with her emotions really well, she's only 3. I am really concerned about the aggression, he hit out at a year 5 child last week across the face. I just don't know how to give him the strategies to deal with all this.