I understand that this writing here - everything on the blog and most of the things I post on Facebook and Twitter are, at the core, about getting attention. It's one of the reasons I don't post more. I don't want to be viewed as someone who requests or requires too much of your attention.
Tucker, though, is not as refined. Of course, he's 4 (4 and a HALF when you ask him), and like his brother Drew, excellent with language. However, Tucker is also the bruiser in the family, and it's starting to burst out of him like solar flares. They are happening with a great deal of unpredictability: they strike out and then back in, and they are white hot anger.
Lately he's been frustrated at school. Seriously, seriously frustrated. But, instead of using language to tell someone, he decided that the best option is to lash out. Slapping. Kicking toys. Kicking people. Throwing chairs.
People, I am not trying to raise Bobby Knight.
So we've addressed this, but the anger keeps flaring, and anyone in his path is a potential target. I fear that he is getting filled with jealousy because his brothers get more attention - Connor needs the care, and Drew needs the supervision for his homework time. I wish they didn't, but they do. And we have to uncover ways to give equal attention to Tucker. 10 minutes in the car after I've dropped off Drew in the mornings is not enough "Mommy-Tucker Time" as he calls it.
Board games and puzzles with him seem to be working. Solo baths or showers (ie - not sharing the parent with his brothers) is helping. Sitting with him when he eats lunch or dinner even when it takes him an hour. Helping him make his Lego How To Build videos (he actually NEEDS a parent for that...) Other ideas?
No comments:
Post a Comment