Don't think i can cope with DS ( 7 ) much longer......

[chocolatecakeforbreakfast]

Basically since hitting 7 his behaviour has got progressively worse. Huge tantrums, major attitude, aggression to younger DD etc.
Today i'm just counting the hours to bedtime as i really just can't take anymore. He started the second he woke up this morning and by about 8am, i sat him down and asked him if he ever though how his behaviour made other people feel - really thought for once that i might have got through to him, we made up, said sorry and i hoped that we'd have a good day for a change ( haven't seemed to have had one in a very long time! ). Didn't even make it to lunch time before it all started again - just feel totally drained and actually starting to dread each day. Am embaressed to say but have just told him i've given up - he's beaten me today. Please someone tell me this is just a phase?? He's a great little boy, everyone loves him and i love him to death, but i just don't like him very much at the moment. How does everyone else keep going when it just gets too hard?

[dandycandyjellybean]

sorry no advice my ds 2.9 but sounds very tiring and didn't want you to go unanswered. Someone with experience will be along soon. (Hands over cyber tea and choccy biccys.) Oh, and only the thought of the post bedtime bottle of wine keeps me going, even on a good day!!!!!

[chocolatecakeforbreakfast]

Thanks sexbomb ( your name gave me visions of a leather clad girl on harley??!! ) Some days just seem to go on for way too long...think it may have to be a post bedtime CRATE of wine tonight!

[Earlybird]

Can you take him out to the park or playground? WOuld give him a positive way to expend some energy, kill some time for you, and give you both a change of scenery/something else to focus on other than his behaviour (sounds as if you are in a negative cycle atm).

[chocolatecakeforbreakfast]

Feel like that's exactly what we're stuck in - a negative cycle of bad behaviour and telling off. Can usually deal with it and distract them, which lightens the mood, but nothing seems to work today - think it's just one of those days that you admit defeat - if i could put him back i would!!! Have sent them out into the garden to run riot - give us all some space.

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

Agree with early bird.

A change of scene, outside, with plenty of room for running and shouting.

It's somehow easier outside where the noise and activity is not so draining.

Take a picnic and off you go.

[Earlybird]

DD is also 7, and without question, the days she is difficult are the days where she has not had enough stimulation.

What sorts of things does he like to do? Do you do anything recreational with him?

[3littlefrogs]

He could be having a growth spurt. This means a testosterone surge and a need for more exercise and fresh air, more food and an earlier bed time. However, IME, this often means a little bit of psychological regression and they need a little bit more attention, reassurance and one to one time. Somehow, these growth spurts seem to make them a bit more emotionally unstable and needy. He is only 7 - very young.

[chocolatecakeforbreakfast]

I had heard about boys having growth spurts around about this age, and going a bit crazy and i've been trying really hard to keep him occupied lately, but i work ( part-time ) all week and really needed to catch up on a few bits today, the suns shining, they're in the garden but it's still all kicking off. A friend suggested treating him a bit more grown up and rather than telling him off, try and explain why what he does makes you feel sad etc. Tried it this morning and bless him he was really sorry, we had a big cuddle, but it's like something takes him over that he can't control?! Proper Jekyll & Hyde at the moment. Seriously think 6 weeks school hols is too much, we're all going a bit stur crazy. It's just that sometimes being a mum is sooo bloody hard! Thought we'd left the tantrums and terrible 2's behind!

Thanks everyone though - really just needed to rant on here as could feel it brewing and didn't want to turn into a screaming banshee!

[juuule]

Agree with Earlybird about getting out.
Has your ds got any friends that he can play out with?
He sounds like he's fed up staying in. My children get like this if they're cooped up for too long. Some are okay for a couple of days, some it's a couple of hours and then the behaviour deteriorates.
Is there a park nearby that you could go to? Or even just walk to the shops?

[chocolatecakeforbreakfast]

We are going to head out in a bit, if i can keep them occupied until tea time it's only a couple of hours then till bed! Back to school next week which i'm hoping will tire him out / calm him down. He's usually great which is why this behaviour all of a sudden is a bit of a shock and some days just really don't know how to handle it. Have got quite a tough skin and can usually laugh most things off, but when your 7 year old tells you you're a rubbish mum and wishes he could live with nan, it's not always that easy - am starting to think he may have a point!

[juuule]

"but when your 7 year old tells you you're a rubbish mum "

Oh boy, they know which buttons to push don't they? Ignore.(I know, I know, easier said than done sometimes. )