To be this bothered about such small things

[tiredandwrungout]

I keep the broom in the lounge, sort of tucked into a corner. Wooden floors downstairs so sweep a lot.

Anyway, ds (age 5) is constantly and intentionally standing on it so it falls down with a big crash. It is tucked away so he seeks it out. No amount of nicely asking him to leave it alone works.

I mean I could put it somewhere else but why should I when it’s not exactly an unreasonable request?

Or am I being so unreasonable about this?

Just give a consequence every time he does it and he’ll stop

What’s the consequence when he does it?

He doesn’t

You’re both being unreasonable, it’s become “a thing” between you. Sure he should listen to you, equally if it’s that much of an issue for you, remove it and the problem will be solved. Job done, no fall out, no consequences. If you feel he should be listening to you, then you start having a consequence.
good luck!

Why?!
he’s five years old
he can follow instructions I assume and goes to
School
every time he does it there’s a time out or similar

Just seems to be a compulsion. I guess that’s why it bothers me so much; something about it seems to make him gravitate to it.

Don’t negotiate with terrorists or 5 year olds.

I’m not negotiating, it’s a clear instruction and he’ll come away and then seconds later go back. It’s exhausting because like I say I know I could and maybe should move it but then it’s a PITA getting it out again to sweep.

This is the thin edge of a wedge and you need to deal with it, if he defies you so completely on something this bloody stupid without consequences, then he will soon try something else. You literally have to show him who is boss here.

Just store it out of his reach. And buy him his own set so he can practice sweeping.

Can you not store it upside down so that he cant stand on it?

Failing that, get one of these clips so that the handle is secured to the wall.

https://share.google/gsUroev5MebwRHAJ2

I suggest you take something of his away everytime he does it. Tell him that if he can’t be nice to Mummy’s things then Mummy will have to have his things for a while.

He generally isn’t really bothered when you do this. It leads to tears and then he forgets about whatever it was.

If you can't impose your will over something minor like this, you (and he) are screwed. Pathetic.

That's because he's 5. So you either slap him every time (obviously not) or some other short sharp less...like being made to put every toy away and not allowed to play with them. Or TV/screen time being removed.

He need to learn NOW that actions have consequences. Every time he does it you punish him, the punishment gets more severe every time

This, dear god he is five!
I hate to say this but what do you plan to do when he is fifteen and has spent the last ten years not listening to you without consequence?
My son at fifteen was well over 6' tall and without boundaries from birth I would have stood no chance!! Parent the child now before you are on here in ten years wondering why your son doesn't listen to a word you say.

Good to have supportive posts anyway I suppose 😂

I suppose the point is that I am ‘on it’; he’s told, he’s given warnings and consequences but when that doesn’t work … I don’t know, I’m stumped. Harsher consequences is I’m sure what some will recommend but I don’t think it needs criminalising. It seems more a mindless thing he does. Very very irritating though and that’s the problem; it puts me in a bad mood.

Could you just ignore it? I guess it's the thrill of your reaction that makes him keep doing it.

See I don’t think it is … it’s strange; I really don’t think he can help himself!

What’s the consequence? You’ve never said.

Tried a few things … sent out of the room immediately; removal of toy, sent to bed (if that sort of time) no TV.

I totally get this, OP. I was a nanny for 10yrs and had beautifully behaved charges. My own 2yr old has his weird compulsions like your son, though. And actually, they also seem to revolve around standing on stuff. As you say, all the telling off and consequences in the world don't change anything. He doesn't realise he's doing it until he's done it and he genuinely can't seem to help it.

I reckon there's a sensory need your son needs to fulfill somehow and my guess would be the feel of the solid wood giving way under his feet. Has he got toys he's allowed to stand on? Maybe a wobble board or some textures stepping stones?

Does he show other signs of needing to move and climb and balance etc? If so, try giving him some "heavy work" like unloading the wet laundry from the machine, helping you unload cans and cartons from the grocery shopping, or helping you rearrange furniture etc for dinner time. These are all constructive ways he can fulfill the same need for pressure and movement in his joints.

I hate the tone of some of these posts regarding "imposing your will" on your son and that it's "simple" to give a consequence and the child will obey. If your son is actually seeking certain sensory input then consequences won't work and punishing him is unfair.

Thanks … yeah that’s what worries me. Because I find it so bloody irritating I feel like I’m constantly moaning and imposing meaningless consequences which is why I’ve stopped but it carries on.

He does have a lot of opportunities for play but no matter what seems to gravitate to the broom (and the potty 🤢) I don’t know what it is!

TelevisualArseGravy · Today 17:11
Can you not store it upside down so that he cant stand on it?
Failing that, get one of these clips so that the handle is secured to the wall.
https://share.google/gsUroev5MebwRHAJ2

That all sounds exhausting. Just put the broom in a cupboard and make sure he can't open the door. There - you'll never need to worry about it again.