Am I a crap parent, or a normal one?

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I really do struggle with getting my four year old to listen to me and actually take what I’m saying seriously.

Our interaction just now is very typical. He goes downstairs after a shower and straightaway starts kicking his sisters toy pram. I’d told him before we went up for shower not to do that, pretty firmly I’d say. So this time I have to admit I was pissed off and shouted at him and snatched the pram away.

(DS is a fucking nightmare with toys: stands on them and sits in them. The pram is a favourite toy and I didn’t want it broken.)

I don’t think their attention spans are long enough at that age to remember something they were told before another event, such as a shower.

I’d just tell him in the moment, and remove the item so he can’t do it again.

Does he damage lots?

Is definitely true that boys are harder and get easier, vv for girls. I have one if each and ds was so boisterous at that age, I had to watch him like a hawk! He’s 15 now and an absolute dream!

How about have something ready for him when he comes downstairs? I need you to make DGP a card/lego out/half a jigsaw done/cars set up in an unusual way? Distraction is always better than a power struggle. Maybe have the pram out of site and get it out once the morning has calmed down?

He has plenty of things but if somethings out it’s like he has to stand on it / get in it / kick it / squash it.

I know he doesn’t mean any harm but it’s a shame if things get broken. Obviously accidents happen but standing on a pram isn’t an accident!

He is 4, that's plenty old enough to know not to kick things. 4 minutes sitting on the stairs and then an apology a la supernanny.

it sounds totally normal for a 4 year old to behave like that