Ds is 8.
He doesn’t listen which means he can’t follow instructions properly ie - get dressed we are leaving in ten mins results in him still reading a book in his pjs unless he is chivvied at least ten times.
But the worst thing is every time he is asked to do something it’s
Oh but
No but
Oh whyyyyyyyyy
I don’t want to
No because
And it’s silly things like shower time or time for bed or go and fetch your socks/get in the car/tidy up.
I try and give a countdown so in five mins it’s shower time and that does help but when we are in a hurry or for things that need to be done immediately it’s always no.
It’s making us all grumpy and I don’t know how to deal with it. We end up shouting he ends up crying and it’s a horrid situation.
He’s always been a bit like this but it is worse as he gets older.
He’s otherwise a very happy loving child who is usually well behaved, kind and thoughtful. I love him to bits and I want to fix this before we have a resentful teenager.
His behaviour is affected by what he eats ie no sugar or colourings or additives but this is under control pretty much. He gets hyper with these things mentioned.
So any strategies or tips would be most welcome!