Hello mumsnetters,
I'm desperately looking for some advice. My son, who has just turned 7, is an absolutely wonderful and loving boy. I love the bones of him and he is so affectionate - always telling us how much he loves and coming over and stroking my hair if he feels I'm sad or annoyed and saying he'll do anything to help <3 On the flip side of this and why I want to help him, he is so highly strung emotionally and I honestly don't know how to help. If he's unhappy with something he screams, kicks, punches me, his dad and his younger sibling (I of course stop this by holding him) and then just starts sobbing uncontrollably. But this can be something as small as saying he can't watch his ipad in bed or we can't go to the park because it's raining etc. The other day I started chatting to a mum for five minutes on poolside at his swimming lesson and he got out and started screaming and punching me for not watching him the whole time. Sometimes even smaller issues like he wants the same toy as his younger sibling or having to go to school (no reports of bullying, struggles etc, always smiling). This happens on average 3-5 times a week. It sounds like 'bad behavior' but he says he feels he's unable to control his emotions. They visibly distress him but equally are really difficult to deal with. His dad and I argue a lot over it as he thinks he needs to be disciplined more but I can't shake that this isn't just a behaviour thing. He's also very hyperactive - almost needs to be outside all of the time, he talks constantly and I can't get him to do any spurts of homework for more than 10 mins max. He's great at school, has lots of friends, is good at most subjects (excels in reading despite not doing any at home) and is very good at facts and logic, but can get distracted is the feedback. We do have ADHD in the family (my parents) and I have never been tested or diagnosed but may have it (very disorganised, messy, forgetful and impulsive but academically 'bright'). I just don't want to diagnose something too hastily so just wanted to reach out. Sorry for the ramble and thank yous o much for any replies.