5 year old hitting and saying he hates me

[winkle2]

Has anyone else experienced this? He seems to get SO angry. I've tried everything - reward chart, praise, stickers, taking away TV/treats, spending more time with him, backing off and letting him being more independent, everything!

Earlier on I gave him lots of praise and a tube of Smarties for being such a good boy today (which he has been). Just now before bath and bed he repeatedly asking for chocolate and I said no. He told me he hates me so I said but I love you. (Trying the love bombing method).

I then catch him in the kitchen taking ice cream out of the freezer. I tell him no again. He said but he hasn't had dessert so I offer fruit or yoghurt. He punches me (not hard but still hit out).

Then he ran upstairs and threw himself into bed crying.

What am I doing wrong?

I have no real answers but went through a similar episode with 8 yr old DS a few weeks ago. I think it's a reaction to lockdown etc and having problems with his emotions, as he's not normally like this. I tend to ignore his bad behaviour as much as possible at don't take the hitting, kicking and shouting personally. Start each day as new etc.