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Original poster

To think my child is difficult

160 replies

Letsgoupstairs · 17/02/2026 19:21

That sounds really horrible and negative but …

I don’t think he has additional needs, although I haven’t entirely ruled it out. But he is not an easy child at all and although I feel like a real failure for admitting this, I just don’t enjoy him.I don’t enjoy spending time with him or his company. And that’s horrible.

OP posts:
Original poster
Letsgoupstairs · 17/02/2026 19:57

Thank you. Apologies; I did mean to include age and forgot. I was a bit emotional when I posted.

He is five.

He can be lovely. I don’t want to give the impression he doesn’t have any good points at all, or that he’s completely behind hope. But he can be very stroppy, defiant, rude, aggressive and also demanding.

All children can be but it’s the extent I suppose.

OP posts:
SemiSober · 17/02/2026 19:56

Letsgoupstairs · 17/02/2026 19:21

That sounds really horrible and negative but …

I don’t think he has additional needs, although I haven’t entirely ruled it out. But he is not an easy child at all and although I feel like a real failure for admitting this, I just don’t enjoy him.I don’t enjoy spending time with him or his company. And that’s horrible.

Can you give some examples of how they are difficult and how old are they?

ArcticSkua · 17/02/2026 19:51

It's certainly true that some children are harder work than others. How old is he? It may just be a tricky phase.

Runningismyhappyplace50 · 17/02/2026 19:49

How old are they? I felt like this with one of mine when they were are primary school- everything was full on and hard work; I couldn’t see anything positive.

They are at college now and we are so much closer, they bring me so much joy but we do still clash but both react to each other so much better. I had to take a step back and change how I parented them, took the small wins instead of thinking this is the bare minimum and they matured. It took time.

Some kids are harder than others, my youngest is so chilled and easy to parent (both are ND).

Meadowfinch · 17/02/2026 19:38

What does he do that you struggle with OP? Or is it his personality? There must be aspects of him you love.

I find my ds can be a bit gloomy and his refusal to hurry infuriates me but he's kind, funny, sharp and loyal. I hope to talk him out of his gloomy views, or perhaps they will disappear when he has a girlfriend.

What do you love about your ds?

Iceyday · 17/02/2026 19:30

OP, it can happen.
It certainly happened to an old friend of mine.
I could understand too.
He was difficult, very verbal, demanding, destructive and jealous.
In other words exhausting.
This did continue for some years.
Diet was a focus for her and a good protein breakfast helped him, ad did a very clean diet.
Now at 26 he has long been a delight.
Aced university and has a lovely girlfriend.
Do not feel bad. It can be hard, but your reaction is very normal to a challenging child.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 17/02/2026 19:25

You need to add more details/context.

Notmeagain24 · 17/02/2026 19:23

It's difficult to vote without more information about why you find him so difficult.

Sending you hugs - this must be a difficult thing to feel regardless.

Maybe if you can elaborate a bit more, some wise people might be able to give you some advice on what you could do to improve your relationship with him.

WhatDaHell · 17/02/2026 19:22

Need context, impossible to answer

Eyesopenwideawake · 17/02/2026 19:22

How old is he?

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