5 year old badly behaved dont know what to do

[purplestrawberry2]

Dd has just turned 5 and started reception in September. She has always been a kind girl and quite emotionally intelligent. She is also stubborn and headstrong.
Since starting reception her behaviour has deteriorated a lot. She is extremely defiant and is having tantrums at school (like screaming pen throwing tantrums). More recently she has slapped another child (school didnt know the circumstances) and has been screaming refusing to do stuff. This carries on at home and ive also seen her spit on the floor. Weve tried to make it clear to her its not acceptable and actions have consequences and doing the usual sticker charts etc. There hasnt been any real changes at home. just really dont know what to do to help. i am finding it difficult to get any good concrete information from the school about whats going on and its frustrating.

Any advice?

I am going through almost something similar with my 26 month old. God the hitting and spitting. Makes me embarrassed to the core.

I feel she needs more attention from me. I am trying to give her lots of positive attention. Lets see if anything works. Right now its a dark tunnel for me and boy do I cry a lot over it!

Sorry I wish I could help!

Hopingmamma its awful isnt it I just feel so useless as a parent :-(

Could it be end of term tiredness?
Is she copying the behaviour of others?

She has been a bit better the past week as she has been sleeping better. When she is tired it is always worse

We have that problem. The terms are long. Lots of illnesses and a bit too much going on. We had 2 trips, xmas fair, 2 dress downs, xmas dinner, a show. All in about 14 days.

A sudden change in behaviour could be anything.

She could be emotionally and physically exhausted from starting school, she could be bored in school if she is more emotionally intelligent then her peers or more advanced then her class mates. Have you gone back to work since she's started school? Maybe you're more tired when she finally spends time with you and she wants more attention? What do you mean 'real changes' at home, has there been any changes at home that may be small to you but big to her?

Your the best person to answer this question:
Why do you think she's had a sudden change in behaviour?

Agree with the others, she’s probably exhausted. I’d have lots of downtime at home, snuggling under a blanket watching a favourite film, teddy bear’s picnic, extra long baths and early nights. Hopefully, she will start improving soon.