Egocentric 4ys DS

[FreakOfNature]

I have a 4 year old DS and also DS2, who is almost 3. DS1 is very egocentric, thinks he knows it all, he's always right, will argue until he's blue in the face etc. If he doesn't get the response from me that he wants he will keep on and on and on until it ends in tears (usually his not mine!).

I am always firm with him when he gets argumentative, will stick to my guns re:consequences etc. I just hate the fact that he gets upset so frequently because he always wants his own way. I feel like such a nasty mum

Does anybody else have this problem? Generally DS1 is a lovely little boy, his teacher is always full of praise and so are other parents when he's had play dates. He's kind, thoughtful and can be quite sensitive.

I'm quite often dealing with this on my own, we are military and DH is often away or working late, and quite frankly, he's driving me potty!

I can't be of much help I don't think but didn't want your post to go unanswered! It sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing - being consistent and sticking to your guns. It must be really hard not having your DH around that much as it's so helpful to have someone to back you up or at least reassure you that you're doing the right thing.

I'm sure that if you keep doing what you're doing then sooner rather than later he will realise that arguing about everything is not going to get him anywhere and hopefully he'll give up. He's just testing the boundaries with you and it's really great that he's lovely with everyone else - just not so fun for you at the moment. Bear with it - it'll pass!

Examples please.

My DS (3.7) is apparently an expert at everything. He learns it all at preschool - so he says. Sometimes I can cope with it, sometimes I can't. I guess it depends what it is. When my car sounded like it was about to break down but DS kept telling me he knew it was ok 'cos he knew all about cars, I got very annoyed. I just needed to listen to the car and see what was happening. When he tells me he is an expert at archery I just smile as it is just theoretical at the moment and not dangerous.

So I guess it depends what your DS is an expert about and what the circumstances are. I try to pick my battles carefully. But it sounds very tiring for you, especially as you don't have much back up from your DH.