Not sure what I am trying to achieve by writing this but I am feeling quite down about my DS (8)'s behaviour at the moment. Maybe it’s the end of a long half-term…
DS is not a bad kid and doesn’t get into trouble and he can be sweet and fun. When it’s just the two of us, he’s fine. In fact he would probably like to spend all his time at home. It’s when I take him into other social situations that the trouble starts.
He’s alway been an irritable child and he can loose his rag easily. I think he likes to feel in control of a situation and if he’s not 100% happy with a situation he can be really difficult (cries, stands still, tugs my arm, etc to avoid going somewhere). When you’re in a group though you have to go with the flow a little bit.
He enjoys being with his older cousins but hates being around his younger cousins and has to really try hard to be patient and kind when he’s with them (it doesn't come naturally). They are typical young children - they want to grab stuff, they have melt-downs etc, etc. He hates sharing his toys, he has trouble if another child does anything to annoy him, and he hates it when they cry.
He moans constantly when he’s ready to go home from somewhere even when others are happy staying longer (e.g a family picnic etc).
It depresses me that no one in my family would say he’s a good child. Maybe as his mum I can see the positive side of his character too, but I am under no illusions. In fact a couple of them have told me they think I should be far tougher on him and that his behaviour is entirely my fault. The truth is I have worked so hard at this. I try to be a good role model and often talk to him about treating each other respectfully and discipline when necessary. It’s so hard when he is just an inherently impatient, easily irritable and at times controlling child.
Just feeling like I've failed as a parent.