So is it normal for 4 yr olds to be so bloody negative or is it just part of his personality?

[northerner]

By negative I mean always moaning about what he can't ahve rather then being grateful for what he has. Eg, moans when he gets 1 biscuit (he wanted 2), moans when I won't play snap again despite already playing it 5 times, moans when he can't dress up as it's bedtime depsite building fantastic lego models with Daddy.

'You're a horrible mummy' etc etc.

Dh is a glas half empty kind of guy and I'm begginning to wonder is ds will be too....

I think some children are jsut more "glass half empty" than others. But I also think that they do go through a stage of this. Certainly my dd is (she'll be 4 in JUly). Lots of moaning and whinging along the "but I wanted THAT biscuit" lines rather than being bloodly grateful that she's getting a biscuit in the first place.

Drives me crazy.

My brother was pretty morbid as a child. Lots of "all the bees are dead" pronounced with a big sigh and overconcern that it would never stop raining and what would happen then. Bit of an eeyore. He's not so bad now. I on the other hand was a ray of sunshine but am a bit of a pessimist these days.

God, every time I read something about your ds I have to go and check that mine is still in the house and not secretly living with you . Mine is nearly 6 but he is pretty much the same - he seems to think his life is one long catalogue of him being thwarted in what he really wants/needs to do.

Tonight I have been told that I will not win the parent of the week award and the 'fabulous prize' that goes with it because I wouldn't read another chapter of Harry Potter.

I just tend to ignore, never give in to it, tell him I can't understand his moany voice (that really pees him off!), praise the good behaviour, and hit the wine as soon as he goes to bed.

DS 2 is like this.
He tells me he hates me. I can never do anything right. My brother was the same when he was a kid, and is much the same now. Sorry.

Mrs Flowerpot!!

It is exhausting though isn't it?

yes my dp and ds(5) are half empty sort of people too - it's draining

that's my son too.

It's knackering. And I feel like such an old bag, like I'm always saying no, when actually, I'm pretty lax really in the parenting stakes .

Like you, I blame his dad.

Mine is nearly 4

A fingertip nearly accidently brushed his hair tips early

"You hurt me Mummy"

So yes, mine too.

Wine over here.
It is DS2 4th birthday on Sunday and was going to do a big party and spend a lot of money.
Changed my mind though cos if he was in a bad mood that day he would sulk through out and I would be cross with him ffor not enjoying himslef IYSWIM.
We are haveing a small tea party tomorrow and a trip to the circus instead - you never know he might have a good time.

do you think it's boys? are they in training for man-flu in later life???

my ds is 7 though.

LOL flowwer pot you could be right!!
H is moaning now in bed cos his winkie is sore and he can't sleep.
(Pours self a second large glass of Shiraz)

I think boys hit a mini puberty at around the age of 4 and 5. So it literally could be hormaonal, as they get a wallop of testosterone.

i hope it is hormonal - i can't live with it for another 10 years. i can't remember my other son being like it but he's 13 now so i've probably forgotten.

DS1 is 7 and he wasn't like this.
MAybe I was just lucky first time round!

Is it mainly sons who are like this? My ds is exactly like this!

okay so I have killed this thread tonight

Well my dd1 is exactly the same (she's 5). In fact, I was saying the other day how I seem like I'm busting a gut making thigs nice for her, treats, etc and is she grateful?? NOt one little bit. Please tell me they suddenly become thankful for the things you do for them? Anyone??

I think they generally don't . We have in our respective homes all the future complainers that has made this country great

God bless 'em!