6 year old tantrums - when does it end?!!!

[helen1978]

My DS is 6 (nearly 7!). He drives me a little dotty because he still throws a tantrum - down on the floor and all...! Is this normal? For example.. I say "can you brush your teeth now" he goes "nahhh! I don't want to. No. No. No - only if you do or only if you say poo"!! (I know!!) then I threaten him with no story (about three times) then he goes ...reluctantly. With a door slam for full effect. Everything goes like that. If I tell him for something in public he laughs and crosses his eyes. I get cross. Nothing is simple and I am always nagging. Sometimes I get really annoyed and shout but it doesn't help. Do 6 year old behave like this or is my DS a rare breed and where am I going wrong?

I would say not 'standard' behviour for year 2 but not unusual. Does he throw tantrums in public? Usually by 6/7 they don't like to embarrass themselves in public so much.

My DS had trouble controlling his emotions and would get very upset and cry if he didn't get his own way. I had to just be very firm.

I would say, be firm, don't nag, don't threaten things you want carry out, only give one warning and have clear consequences and rewards.

Good luck!

My ds is 5 nearly 6 and still has tantrums - well it's more like stroppy behaviour these days! He is still really hard work and we have difficulties with getting him to dress himself and do his teeth too. I also feel like nothing is simple and I get quite worn down by his behaviour at times. He shouts a lot and his standard response is 'no'.

Not sure about dealing with it as I still feel we don't get it right most of the time. We try to be consistent and use rewards for good behaviour although often ends up as threats. I thought he would be over this by now too!

Sound like my 6 (nearly 7) yr old DD1. Although she doesn't throw herself on the floor. She does scream and shout and refuse to move, which is a nightmare if we are on the way to school!

Thanks everyone - I feel better now. Like I am not alone...

I remember asking a health visitor when children stopped tantrumming and she said "they don't"!!! She cited her 13 year old daughter stropping around the house slamming doors!

I know what she meant, as I know adults who still have tantrums!