DS is five and very bright, lots of friends, great at school and home.
He is with ExDP two nights per week, which he very much enjoys.
Today, he was supposed to be in bed and as I walked past his bedroom I saw him on his tablet. He has very restricted use. I found it more funny than anything, he immediately burst into tears and began apologising. I thanked him for saying sorry, and told him that he shouldn't be on his tablet when he's supposed to be sleeping and not to do it again. I then have him a hug and a kiss.
He was screaming and crying and then said he was angry and didn't want to see me, and threw a stuffed toy. He was crying and asked to be left alone, I offered to sit with him and/or cuddle and he said no.
I left the room and washed my face ready for bed, he came in the bathroom and said "mummy I have been hurting myself".
I sat down with him and asked what he meant. He said he'd pinched himself, punched himself in the head and stomach and strangled himself.
I asked why, he said he thought it would be a good punishment. I asked him why would he need to do that? He said he thought it would be good for me, so that I wouldn't be angry.
A long chat followed, mostly me talking, and he said he wouldn't do it again, and that if he felt like he wanted to then he would come and tell me.
I'm not shouty/angry, I barely have to tell him off. We have a very close, loving and affectionate relationship. I tell him I love him umpteen times per day. We don't have anyone in our family who is "angry", ex and I co-parent well and he is very placid, as are his family.
There has been no change to his routine, no big life changes. We've had a good day together.
I am horrified! I don't really even know what I'm asking. This absolutely isn't normal is it?
I don't know what to do!