Who is this 5 year old child living in my house?

[LauraNorder]

I think it's my DS but over the past few weeks he has changed soooooo much!

He was always such a gentle, loving, calm little boy but all of a sudden he has become aggressive, hyper sometimes manic! We seem to have to tell him things over and over and over again as nothing is sinking in. He was always so good at playing with his little sister (18 months) but he seems to go too far now with it usually ending tear (hers).

What to do with him? Help!

He is still here!

OOh mine has done the opposite, he has always been loud, destructive, non stop 100% on the go from very early every morning till bed time,never ever listens, have to ask him at least 3 times...then give 3 warnings before he does anything like get shoes on, come for tea etc etc etc...hard HARD work (some days i have wanted to jsut get in my car and drive away, never come back)
BUT
over this summer he has become calm, helpful, ive had conversations with him, instead of negotiating SAS style with him, he has needed gentle persuasion to do stuff...like a different kid.
funny isnt it, they go through ebs and tides with mood and personality.

think they have hormone surges as well at certain ages....maybe yours is having one and mine is at the end of one!

Exactly the same thing has happeed to my 3.5 year old Laura.

He's gone from calm and gentle to a hitting, throwing, shouting, seemingly half death ball of terror who blatantly ignores me!

I miss my little boy

Its the 5 year old naughty stage. After 3 kids and observing others, they all seem to have a naughty stage at 5. (Some blame Testostrone, but my girls have had it too).

You may get bits of him back at times, but life is a continual change. I look at my lanky 14 yr old, and wonder where the cute little boy in his blue jumper and red bucket has gone. (He was so cuddly, though he does still do hugs.)

I am having exactly the same thing with my 5yr old, as are all the mums of his friends! we thought it was testosterone, but to be honest I think a lot of it has been the holidays - and am hoping and praying that I get him back a bit once he goes back to school. He's so much better with structure and I am so much better with the quiet and not being ignored or screamed at all day long!!

no help or advice - but just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

Likewise. Just coming up 5, defiant as you like. Selective hearing (unless you whisper chocolate from 3 rooms away). Negotiation skills that could help the UN.

Luckily I have a 4 month old to be calm, lovely and cuddly now that my baby has been replaced by a wild child.

nellieloula, I could have written your post.

Well thank goodness I am not alone. I do wonder if he will be better once we get back to a bit more of a routine.

I'm still waiting for my gentle, calm boy to appear. It's been three years now, I'm sure he's in there somewhere, as I occasionally catch glimpses of him between manic defiance and rampant destruction and good-natured but boisterous play.

Thank you everyone, you've all been so reassuring! I remember reading Raising Boys when I was pregnant with him, I think I need to get a copy reread it