My son has become a brat...

[Crazybrowncow]

He's only been in reception for 2wks and only done half days. He has become a terror every afternoon, is this quite usual? It is obviously a huge change, but I don't know why he has become tricky and mean! Any help appreciated x

He's tired, I would think. He's not turned into a mean brat over the course of 2 weeks.

Was he in a nursery or pre school prior to starting Reception?

He's a small child dealing with school, tiredness and big emotions. How horrible to call him a brat.

Hey 👋 he is probably overtired and its all just spilling out at home, it should settle down soon takes a while for them to settle into the new routine after 6 weeks off, my ds 9 (autistic cognitive delay so is more like 4yo mentally/emotionally) is stressy after school at the moment (is at the start of every school year) but soons settles down xx

He's not a brat. He's tired and stressed out.

Is he hungry? Some kids can be really hungry when they get out of school. Give him a banana.

I almost didn't open this because I couldn't think of a good reason for a parent to call their own child a brat. And I was right.

As above, he's a tiny human who hasn't got a clue what's going on, he's just been launched into a classroom with a load of strange people and he's got to work it all out.

Yes he's tricky, yes it's difficult, but you're the adult and your job is to stay kind and calm and loving, not join in with him.

He isn’t a brat OP. He is behaving like one. Two different things.

Give him time. This is a huge change for him. Routine, rules, structure, learning all the time. By Christmas you will have different child.

Google 'restraint collapse'. It will pass

That's harsh of you to say. He is doubtlessly overtired. Starting Reception is a huge deal. Do you do a snack and a rest straight after school?

Also, try to think kindly about your child. It will have a positive effect on their behaviour. And it's just sad to see parents who don't seem to like their kids much.

He will be overtired, overwhelmed and probably hangry - not a brat!

You are his safe place to melt down, after tricky tiring adjustments. Be the calm and support him through it. Lots of cuddles, chill time, reassurance.

Your poor little son is coping with a whole new environment where for hours demands are made of him and he tries desperately to remember what he is meant to do in new situations and with lots of new people.

Remember when you start at a new job how stressful it is. That's with adult understanding and maturity.

He is tired, emotional and probably hungry. His brain is desperately trying to process everything.

Take him a snack, give him a hug, let him play in a park and then let him nap or sleep.

He's a small tired child, not exactly a brat.

Was just about to type this.... Restraint collapse makes so much sense. They behave so well in school and keep it all in and it just bursts out when they get home.

Super common.

He's not a brat, he's tired and overstimulated after a huge change. Your his safe space. I found a run round the park after school helped.

this!