6 year old just can't behave

[Cherim90]

My daughter is 6 in a few weeks and honestly I am aware children dont always behave but my daughter just constantly behaves badly and I'm at my wits ends 😥 what am I doing so wrong? I take her out for food at my work and it's actually embarrassing she will slump on her chair go under the table, pick up bits of food squish it in her hands, spit her food on the plate and pick it back up and eat it. Grab and peoples menus scream make silly noises disturbing other tables. Whenever we are out I don't notice any children her age acting the way she does. I try every approach, calm, firm. Taking her outside of the shop or restaurant for a chat and we go back in and straightaway back at it. Flipping peoples menus whilst they're reading them, she can behave but for a long time now she just isn't and I don't know if I'm doing something wrong 🤷‍♀️ we have mother daughter time and time as a family. She has a good relationship with her dad and is doing well at school but she is known to push it with them. I just have concerns it's something underlying maybe an attention disorder I just don't know (any judgemental comments will be ignored) thanks

That behaviour sounds more like a pre-schooler than an almost 6 year old. When she misbehaves in a restaurant the next time I would just bring her home.

Sorry to hear of these issues you're having. I agree with LovingLola..She's likely just attention seeking. Don't just threaten to take her home but def carry it out. She'll soon give up when things don't go her way. I know it's the worse thing when people turn and look so it's easier to try to ignore it or pacify her but don't give a shit what anyone might be thinking. It might help if you draw her attention to her behaviour by pointing out other people and what they must think..sorry if you already do this. But i would say If the behaviour worsens after trying these tactics then seek help ..Good luck OP x

Se the SENCO at her school and ask if they will observe her in school and let you know if they have any concerns.

If so, you can go to your GP and ask that your dd is referred to a Paediatrician.

If she's perfect at school and only like this at home. don't despair, but appreciate it may take longer to convince the GP that she does need a referral.

I think you need a pretty strict home behaviour plan with her.

Clear expectations of her behaviour, consequences if she doesn't. And rewards when she does.

Do you live with your DP?
Have you talked to her to see if there is anything going on she hasn't told you?

I'd go in to school and have a meeting with her teacher to see what she's like at school.