Hello everyone,
I have two boys, ages 8 and 5. My eldest has always seemed a bit different. He still experiences intense meltdowns, including door slamming, screaming, crying, and swearing.
Up until last year, I worked long hours and was often out of the house, while my wife stayed at home with the kids.
Since we moved to a new country last year, I've become a stay-at-home dad and work online. I've observed some troubling behaviors from my wife since the move. Certain things seem to trigger our 8-year-old, and it appears that she enjoys provoking him.
She engages in arguments with him on a childish level, often adding provocative comments.
One evening, my son attempted to apologize for something that had occurred earlier in the day. Her response was, “Yeah right, you’ll do the same thing tomorrow.”
I believe he may have ADHD, and I’ve tried to persuade her to take him to a specialist for years, but I haven’t had any success.
It doesn’t seem to impact him at school (he just struggles to sit still), but he is an intelligent boy. Often, it feels like I’m waiting for a huge explosion between them, ready to step in and defuse the situation.
My youngest and I are quite relaxed, but the stress is really starting to take a toll on me.
Leaving is definitely not an easy option, but it would complicate things with custody and returning to the UK.
I would appreciate any advice.