5 yr old DS bit his friend in an argument over a toy

[fatmomma35]

New to Mumsnet but need advice. Last night my 5 yr old DS bit his friend as they both wanted the same toy. DS has always struggled with sharing and has quite a temper. He said sorry, I took him home, discussed what happend and explained how wrong it was and confiscated his new toys, but am really worried that it will happen again, don't know how to ensure he understands thajt he cannot keep losing his temper? help!

I think you have done everything you could. Such behaviour is not uncommon with five year olds. Sometimes I dispair with my son's social skills if its any consultation to you.

My son is five and recently he took home a book from school called "Why should I share"

www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Should-I-Share/dp/0750236434/ref=sr_1_1/202-8655531-8687006?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1176802936&sr=8-1

It makes a good starting point about talking about the importance of sharing. You can have a discussion at a time which is relaxed and neither of you have lost your temper.

Please don't feel bad. Its sounds like you are doing an excellent job.

you did the right thing - you made him understand it was wrong and as francis said I don't hink it is that uncommon at this age.

Feel for you though.

Thanks for your thoughts, its easy to think yours is the only child behaving like this and worry that DS is turning into a monster!

AGree with the others, its not exactly unusual at this age to lose it a bit (others might hit or push- watch them in the playground, pretty much they all do it ime).

The way you handled it was perfect, nothing more you could do. maybe teach him some anger management skills (ALL kids benefit from this), I am trying to get mine to count to ten after they are upset by someone atm.

Yes, we discussed anger management this morning before school, told him to take a deep breath and count to 10, if he can't sort out a squabble with his friends/classmates he should see an adult, not be violent Sometimes I find it difficult to keep things in perspective and I imagine the worst, that his behaviour will never improve, he is only 5!