I have an eight year old who has consistently been defiant since the age of 4. He's never been able to complete a time out (we've given up on that idea all togther) and can push a small issue into a 2 hour ordeal of tears and frustration. An example would be that he might be focused on playing a video game come shower time, which is always the same time every night. He will ignore our request to shut the game down (or end whatever activity) until we can't tolerate it anymore and shut it down ourselves. That will result in instant crying and a tantrum. Often times he won't cry, but will follow me around the house making only a grunting noise until I snap. I try putting him in his room and he will not stay there. He won't talk when he's upset, and he won't be reasoned with, and he is so defiant that he cannot be intimidated with the threat of losing priviledges. He's lost all priviledges many times and never learns. Eventually he'll break after a couple of hours but I've found that if I time it right I can talk him down and offer a hug and sometimes that helps.
The smallest thing can quickly escalate into WW3 and it sucks. I've read and tried many books, SOS, Kazdin Method, Anger Overload and the best I can figure is that it's some sort of control/dissapointment issue. He's very well behaved outside our home amongst other adults, seems to be just us. We raised his 5 year old brother and have had no issues with him so I do not think it's us. Any constructive comments are welcome.
Thanks
The smallest thing can quickly escalate into WW3 and it sucks. I've read and tried many books, SOS, Kazdin Method, Anger Overload and the best I can figure is that it's some sort of control/dissapointment issue. He's very well behaved outside our home amongst other adults, seems to be just us. We raised his 5 year old brother and have had no issues with him so I do not think it's us. Any constructive comments are welcome.
Thanks