Talk to him or leave him alone

[FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010]

DS1 been a bit of a pest, rude, cheeky and slamming doors. He has asked for his emergency bag of clothes so he can move house. He has just come down to ask how far away our old house is. I asked him if there was something wrong and his eyes filled with tears and he stormed off. He has just come and asked again so I told him and he walked off again only to come back and say he only likes the cat in this house.

He is 8.10.

I would leave him for a bit to calm down, then go for a chat.

bless... you've no idea what's wrong?
go and talk to him.

I agree, it's hard to talk to anyone when they are so upset. Give it a bit and then have a go.

He has calmed down and said he is upset that the cat can't or won't sleep in his room. He has said we either have to let the cat sleep with him or give £1million to the Haitian appeal.

DH has just told him he can't have the cat sleeping with him and he has got himself in a state and is demanding a reason why she can't.

My brother used to leave home regularly at that age, he rarely made it further than the garden.

I would give him 10/15 minutes on his own to calm down and then go and see if he will tell you what's upsetting him.

Oh sorry, x-posts.

Er, no further advice!

He is now saying he will sleep on the landing next to her ad is complaining that I am on the computer and not looking after the cat.

do you think he is worried about the earthquake/aftermath/ it happening here?

the fact he is upset, not said what wsa wrong and mentioned the appeal?

ask him what is up, reassure him no matter how big/small, you are there to listen

When he first saw it on tv he was "I'm not bothered" and I said not to be so rude, or words to that affect. Yesterday he made a box to take into school so that he could collect money for the appeal. The Head said no and I know he was disappointed. I have assured him we will send some money.

He is now laid on the landing with his pillow and the cat.

It is hard to talk to him without putting words in his mouth. If I ask him about the earthquake he might say yes when it is something else bothering him.

He is like a switch, one minute ok the next like this.

was going to ask if you were the "outnumbered" family???!! but sounds like he's really upset

lay down next to him with a book and a pillow and see if he just opens up

DS tends to tell me stuff at really random times, when i'm least expecting it.

Have you recently moved? Perhaps a new home\area is unsettling him?

aww bless sounds like he is worried about the earthquake
Maybe worried it might happen here and he wants to protect his cat?

We moved here when he was 6 months old and she is my cat but he has recently got more interested and protective of her. He knows she is old and not well. I am going up in a bit once he has had a bit more time with the cat. Maybe he will tell her.

He is back in bed, I had to make up the bottom bunk for him but at least now he is calm and quiet.