I feel I don’t have enough perspective on this and need help. My almost 6 yo has always been quite old for his years so I am not sure if I am expecting too much but worried about his ability to self regulate. He is a bright little boy and I do encourage him to do half an hour of homework each day including reading. He watches a bit of tv after but doesn’t have regular access to other devices. I try to keep an eye on sugar intake but he does love a sweet treat so try to keep a balance. he just seems to have large emotions which he is struggling to express and tonight has been the worst.
He got quite moody after not being able to build something with Lego and wouldn’t let me help, became very sullen and stroppy. Wouldn’t come down for dinner until I ordered him down and this lead to full blown hysteria. When he gets like this anything and everything sets him off and it’s hard not to get incredibly frustrated. We have tried different techniques to try to manage. Gentle parenting, consequences, incentives, distraction (which does sometimes work). This time his whole eye suddenly became v swollen for no reason and he suddenly started crying uncontrollably about body pain. Honestly we almost took him to A&E but after some piriton and paracetamol and a cuddle he calmed down.
i work as a HCP and seen young patients present with serious physical illness which parents have initially put down to psychological problem so that is on my mind (though prob unlikely). At one point he asked about watching more TV but we said no as I didn’t want to reward the behaviour. School have raised no concerns but have asked the teacher to give me a call.
i can’t decide if he is a master manipulator (jk…sort of), a normal 6 yo or there is something else is should be considering….