For those of you who have young difficult children (4-5) who use threatening violent language, how do you respond?
N has begun creating stories (when he is particularly upset with his parents) where the bad guys kill all the good guys. He also occasionally does pretend play where he is the bad guy and shoots or bombs the good guys. (And guess who gets to be the good guys when we play with him?) No amount of encouragement will sway him from his goal.
Also, a girlfriend of mine has a 4yo who sometimes says he wants to kill himself, his mommy, or his daddy when he is frustrated about being discplined. She is mystified and doesn't know the best way to respond if at all (I told her I would ask you wise women.)
Do we just ignore this language/play? Walk away? Or does it need to be addressed?
Any thoughts are appreciated.
N has begun creating stories (when he is particularly upset with his parents) where the bad guys kill all the good guys. He also occasionally does pretend play where he is the bad guy and shoots or bombs the good guys. (And guess who gets to be the good guys when we play with him?) No amount of encouragement will sway him from his goal.
Also, a girlfriend of mine has a 4yo who sometimes says he wants to kill himself, his mommy, or his daddy when he is frustrated about being discplined. She is mystified and doesn't know the best way to respond if at all (I told her I would ask you wise women.)
Do we just ignore this language/play? Walk away? Or does it need to be addressed?
Any thoughts are appreciated.