My 8 yo acts like he's 2. For real.

Sewsew_mom

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 12:00 pm

I believe there are two things here.
One is the child and how he's acting
And another is the mom how she's reacting.
Threatening a child to smack them has no basis in parenting and teaching a child anything.
Sounds like you're taking it out on this child when he doesn't conform to what you feel he should be doing.
I understand it's challenging to have a disruption in the home when you are raising children and needing to accomplish alot. But this child needs major attention until you figure out what's causing them to short circuit and be completely disregulated.
Mom.. That's your job.
This child doesn't necessarily need medication. That's a quick fix (and works for some I'm not bashing it) but this child may need a diet change, and different parenting approaches.
Wishing you loads of luck.
There is so much help out there. Don't give up before you start.

amother

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 12:34 pm

Thank you all for your advice...

How can I give him more attention? I would love to, but I feel like I already give him a lot. I read with him, I play tag with him, I hug him a lot.

I would love to eliminate sugar. I'm working on it.
He is a verrrrrrry picky eater and feeding him is extremely difficult for me, especially as he will not always eat his "safe foods".

Sewsew_mom

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 12:42 pm

amother OP wrote:

So tough trying to be there for your child and you feel wiped by giving so much and not feeling like your child is getting what he needs.
I heard this and I'm sharing with you because you mentioned he won't eat better foods.
https://spotify.link/BQsqymda0Db
She goes in directly how food is related to behavior and why children don't choose better choices.
Maybe you can find it helpful.
Maybe you can find anything else on her podcast helpful.
Playing with your child is so important, and it sounds like you work hard at it.
I'm wondering if he has the ability to use words to express what's going on at a quiet time. He may be able to share with you things that are playing out for him, that you may not notice (jealousy, anxiety, fear....)
And really hear him out.

amother

Jade

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 1:36 pm

Hi op I totally could have written your exact post. My son is the same way. He has adhd and medication is really really helping him.
My son is also an angel in school bh. Teacher was surprised when I said he was diagnosed with adhd…. But if she would see his behavior at home 🤦‍♀️

Phoebe31

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 1:38 pm

amother OP wrote:

Being picky is another big red flag for neurodiversity. Cutting out sugar will not help much, he needs to see a specialist!

amother

Brown

Wed, Oct 18 2023, 2:04 pm

amother OP wrote:

Restrictive eating is a big red flag for pandas