Hi all, hoping someone can offer advice. My almost 8year old boy is exhibiting verbal, and increasingly physical aggression toward his sister, who is 6.5.
Historically they've always been great together, being only 16m apart. But in the last 6m or so my son is exhibiting Increasing aggression toward his sister, which we are struggling to deal with.
He is so frustrated by her even speaking and often shouts at her to "shut up", calling her names, like "a pig". He talks over her. He'll never give her any choice about what to watch on TV. He doesn't share toys, and will only play with her if she does so on his terms. He'll promise to play with her using her toys after she plays with him, but then laughs and says I was just lying to get you to play with me.
Increasingly any opportunity he gets (especially out of sight) he will push or kick her. A couple of times this has ended in a cut or bruise.
I personally don't think that shouting at him will solve much as it just teaches him to shout louder/aggression is acceptable. I work on the philosophy that "choices mean consequences" and that privileges are earned, and not a right. I also give plenty of warning that his behaviour is unacceptable when he is taunting his sister, but it falls on deaf ears.
My daughter is an absolute pleasure and happy with so little, she's grateful for anything. My son is constantly pushing for more - always.
I realise that some of his behaviour is likely to be a phase, and will pass. But I worry about the constant desire for him to push his sister to being upset, and to not allow her to even speak.
The sad thing is, his sister absolutely ADORES him and 90% of the time will go along with what he wants, and even when he's nasty to her, she just lets it go.
I just want my kind, happy, funny boy back!!!
His teacher said nothing happening at school, there have been no other major life events either.
I just don't know what to do.... but I'm weary.