My 5yo is never happy

[Sheila1981]

I have a 5 yo ds, it’s feels like nothing I do is ever good enough, he’s constantly complaining and whining about something, I have taken the whole 6 weeks off to spend time with him. I’ve tried everything. We have been out, stayed in, played in the garden, had his friend round to play. He’s happy enough when he has my full on one to one attention. He doesn’t like waiting, the word no etc he’s so rude and aggressive with me, when he doesn’t get his own way he hits himself in the head, punches the walls, wishes he was dead. All of which are obviously breaking my heart and making me feel like the worst parent alive! I don’t think there is a medical issue here as he is well behaved at school and very bright. Which makes me even more worried that it is just me?! Please help xx

Hi, you’ve accidentally posted this in the childbirth section so may get more responses of you post elsewhere. I have some experience of similar behaviour with my child and found reading ‘The Explosive Child’ helpful. Play therapy also helped and it may be worth looking at this privately or seeing your GP.
I also felt as if it was my fault but it’s not your fault, you sound like you’re doing everything you can for him!

Thank you, I have just downloaded the book and will definitely look into the play therapy xx

I strongly recommend The Incredible Years by Carolyn Webster-Stratton. Evidence - based parenting advice and very readable.

Thank you, it’s ordered 👍