Strategies for a stubborn 5 year old......?

[Mo2]

DS1 is almost 5 and is just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO stubborn!

Whenever he comes across a new game/ toy/ task he just will not let anyone explain it /how it works/ what to do etc first. He's the same in learning new skills (e.g. skiing/ swimming )- just won't listen to the 'instruction' bit - just wants to plough in and learn the hard way. Problem is, when he can't master it straight away (because he hasn't listened) he tends to get moody, angry and gives up.

He's bright, intelligent, sociable and confident in every other way, so I don't think it's part of any 'wider' problem IKSWIM - I do think he's just stubborn... (like his father!! )

How on earth can I get him to overcome this?

[codswallop]

what happens wehn you ttell thim to stop and listen?
doesnt he listent ot he swiming teacher?
this could be dangerous couldnt it?

[Mo2]

When we try to take get him to stop and listen first/ remove things unless he will he just then goes in a huff and says 'didn't want to do it anyway' and storm off

Haven't had any dangerous issues with swimming - he does sort of manage it, but I just know he'd pick it up quicker if he'd simply bloody listen!

[codswallop]

Id leave him to have a tnatrum t hen Mo!
by letting him diactate the rules youa re putting allt hepower einto his hands
he will soon learn

[Lonelymum]

Our ds1 sounds a bit similar, or rather was, as he is now 8. He wouldn't listen to how to do things either, but I think that was because he was bright and thought he could work it out for himself (hence the strop when he couldn't). He is still a bit like that but he has grown up a bit and is more ready to "discuss strategies" first. He still has to feel he is in control of the discussion though, rather than being lectured.
Your ds must have just started school. Maybe he is trying to assert his new found independence. I am sure he will grow out of it eventually, well, as much as his father has anyway!