AAARGh...Advice needed re my 5 year old son...

[MooandPops]

Hi there

We recently did a recession-led move to the country from a big town DS has always been a big force to be reckoned with and very very strong willed but also tender with it - never ever nasty not even with his little sister.

He started school last September and we are all settling into our new community but its not easy. DH and I are arguing alot even though we try not to - this move has been stressful and we are both freelance which really doesnt help. We live in a small house, us both working from home and the children also in one space - not good.

My problem is that he is now realising his strength over other children and can tease seemingly without even knowing it. He is a large child in comparison to his class - (in 7/8 year old clothes. He shouts all the time - real anger, its a flash and then its gone. When he does its really horrid and we live in close proximty to our neighbours which am probably too aware of.

He has a DS (game) which he loves and probably has too much which I can bargain with. He loves to have a sticker chart but always wants more (sometimes putting them on himself or awarding himself them).

I find myself shouting more and more to seemingly 'gain control' but I feel more out of control than ever.

Has anyone got any advice please?

Thanks

I guess the move coupled with the marked rise in anger and frustration in the house is causing this behaviour. May be he's seeking to dominate his peers as a way of taking control of his environment. The tensions at home and the adjustment to new area is unsettling him so much and this is his way of dealig with it.
Some how the shouting in his ear shot has got to be radically reduced.Anger can be infectious. So he may well feel real anger at times. Though I would doubt that he really understands why.
Discipline him as firmly as you normally would as boundry issues could arrise if you don't.
Overall it is just a matter of riding it out and staying consistent.
Does that sound right to you?

Hi there

Thanks for your thoughts, I think they are right on all accounts.#

DH and I have talked alot this eve and made a pact to stop in front of the children. On the whole we are a happy family that loves each others company very much.

I need to look at my discipline methods I think...am not sure am handling this in the right way for I myself seem to be shouting more to pull him back and gain his attention.

Perhaps I should buy a book on dealing with 5 year olds.

Thanks again