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female
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anonymous
writes: my 5 year od son is answering back all the time, doesn;t listen to a word i say and is constantly falling out with his freinds when they come to play. Is this normal for the age? Reply to this Question |
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male
reader, childcare consultant +, writes (25 July 2006):
This type of behavior is normal for his age , however if you wish to encourage him to fall out less often , get him and his freinds to work as a team , for example a game of football were he and his freinds are on the same side, or if (as many children these days do) he has some games console you can encourage teamplay with that.
A
female
reader, Jadzia1127  +, writes (14 July 2006):
 Children will often have stages where they will test the bounds. This is normal and the response you give to him is very important.
You need to set the rules and hold him to it. You can talk to him and discuss what he thinks is fair for when he talks back, such as a time out, putting his nose in the corner etc. When he does talk back stick to it no matter how inconvenient it is for you. Have your spouse understand the importance of this.
As for friends, it is best to get both sides of any story. After you get your child's side of the story, call a mother of the friend he has had a 'falling out' with. Ask her to tell you her child's side of the story. Then you deal with the behaviorof your child the same as above, yet this time you might consider an apology from your son to the other child, or him replacing items broken, etc.
He will test you and these new rules over and over. Yet it makes a child feel safe and secure with boundaries set up. They know what to expect, they have some control over their lives this way. So it is most important to keep it consistent no matter how often or how hard they test you.
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A
female
reader, eyeswideopen +, writes (13 July 2006):
 Very normal for 5. However you must not let him get away with not listening to you. I would send him to his room immediately when he doesn't do what you say. Tell him he has to stay there until he does.
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