We have 3 boys age 8 (almost 9), 4.5 and a 6 week old baby. Our oldest has always been considerate of other people, but lately he has been flying off the handle at us when we ask him to do things, or question him about something.
Home life has been pretty stressful, I think I too have been flying off the handle sometimes.
Today I got a call from the teaching assistant from his class. She is there to support a special needs kid, but also helps out with the rest of the class. She said that DS has been rude to her on a few occasions, and described the same behaviour we've seen at home. For example - when asked not to do something or corrected on his behaviour he shouts 'stop!' as if he's been deeply hurt by what has been said and is emotionally tormented.
I am at a loss with this, I had assumed his behaviour at home was a minor issue that would blow over, I have not spent enough time trying to get to the bottom of it, and now it seems this is a bigger issue than I thought.
He is completing school work fine, I don't see any academic issue at all.
I wonder if this is partly a developmental thing related to his age, obviously having a new baby is stressing us all out a bit too. Foes anyone have any advice?