How can I get my 5 year old son to stop throwing fits?

Question

He is starting kindergarden this year and I dont know what to do. When he is told to do something, he screams and somtimes throws himself down and kicks. He is starting to raise his fist at me when he gets mad. He has acted this way since he was 5 months old, and I thought it would stop eventually. He has a horrible temper. I love him so much and worry about him starting school and being the "bad kid". I have tried everything from time outs to spankings. Any advise would be appreciated.

Answer 1

My now deceased Mother helped me stop an almost 2 yr. old daughter from collapsing on the floor & having a kicking fit, every time she didn't get her way. It worked.

Without a word from me before or after,  I took a full glass of tap water and threw it in her face. It shocked her and she didn't know what to think. I went on about my business like nothing had happened. That daughter is 51 yrs. old today and never again had a collapsing fit, she would start to go down, but never did.~~

NOW IF SHE HAD, I would have repeated my action. ~

It won't hurt your son.

He has gotten by with his behavior to long.

Be sure he is getting your love, but do not allow him to  desrespect you or your home. ~~Put a stop to it now.

Be firm & don't be wishey washey.

Bless you in your efforts to nip a problem in the bud.

Answer 2

praise him when hes a good boy, and try to ignore his temper tantums, he will stop if it having no affect. The teacher will ask for your permission to reprimand him, if need be, but if hes anything like my son, he will be a little angel when you are not around, but the minute he sees you, he will start again. The little monkey.

Answer 3

Stop his world, and don't address him til he's done. Stay consistant on the time outs and don't give up until he does his 5 min time out.

He may not be emotionally ready for kindergarten this year.

Answer 4

start taking things he LOVES and he will not like that or try rewarding him for the GOOD things he does my two year old daughter loves to throw fits all the time but here`s the key when he`s screaming or kicking just ignore him kids only throw fits when they know people are watching!

Answer 5

Time to upgrade to the switch.

Answer 6

Listen to Jill, she is wise she knows what she's talking about.

With my kids, I have either walked away and ignored it. Or firmly said, " You WILL NOT get what you want if you throw a fit!"

Or act just like your son with the fit throwing. My daughter only did this a couple of times ( after her Nana died) she would throw a fit and stomp and scream and I would do the SAME thing. Whether at home or in public. They look at you like your nuts because EVERYONE is starring at you. It never happened again.

You just have to be willing to do it and make a fool of yourself....... when they see people gawking out you.... softly Say, " That's how you look when you do the same thing."

OR Walk away from them whether or not you are in public or not..... so they can't see you BUT you can see them. That should "scare" him a little too. Not bad just enough to make him think.

When did he turn 5? He may not be "ready" for Kindergarten, my best friend's son did the same things and she waited until he was 6 for Kindergarten. Maybe he needs that extra year to " grow."

It won't be easy, just be consistent. I know how hard this will be. I wish you the best. ><> Jeanna

Answer 7

Walk away from him and let him have his fit. If he sees no one is interested he'll eventually stop. Do not hit him. Hitting him is showing him that it's the right thing to do. When he hits you and he will if you are hitting him.. you will not like it and get mad and punish him.. but he would only be doing exactly what you did. You have to be consistent.. and that means if you're going to have time outs.. have them.. as long as it take.. it may be hours but if so..when he gets up from time out.. just calmly take him back and sit him down and walk away.. keep doing it and keep your temper as hard as it may be. He'll finally get it..you are not being consistent from one punishment to the next.. you just need for now... time out.. but don't give in to him no matter what. When he has finally after it seems forever to get it.. tell him you need for him to say he is sorry for misbehaving, not being bad. but misbehaving and then hug him and tell him you love him. Each time you have to put him in time out it will get easier and easier.. don't yell at him.. when you do you are putting yourself on his level. You can't do that. You have to be the adult. He didn't get this way over night and over night it won't be fixed. Good luck.

Answer 8

walk off. That's what I do in the middle of a tantrum. Pick them up move them to a roomy space in the house where they won't get hurt and just walk off. I have a 5 year old and she outgrew this years ago.. but I always ignored it. her doctor said he did the same with his kids. No use to trying reason with a child that has *lost it* for a moment. Only talk to him calmly when he's done with his fit.

Answer 9

Ignore him. Ignore him completely. I know that's really difficult...with the ear-piercing screaming and the ground-shaking stomping and what not...but you've got to ignore him. Don't be afraid to spank him either. A couple of soft little hits on the tushie isn't going to do much, it sounds like. You've got to be firm. I don't mean beating of course! But maybe you should try hitting a little harder and use a firm voice. You don't necessarily need to yell or scream, but be very firm and serious. Also, very importantly, reward him when he does what he is told or when he is quiet and such things as that. But don't reward him heavily for EVERYTHING because then he'll do them all the time and expect to be given something. Gradually discontinue heavy gifting as he gets older, but always praise. Good luck. :)

Answer 10

wheres dad?? he should probably be here to hold him down and even throw a few shots at him u have to meet fire with fire lady often times it is a battle more of wills then of strength if u stand here and u crack him and tell him shut up i will end you and look him dead in the euyes and if he starts again pop him right in his chest <<not full force but enough that it stings and gets his attention>> and say hey loud and as viscous as possible let him know who rules this roost my kid trys this with me when he forgets he is with me and not his mother and i holler hey deep loud so that it shakes his soul  and he freezes for a second and i tel him to tuck his lip in  and say one sound i will beat u till the white come off  and he shuts up and stays quiet then i put him in the corner till he is ready to apologize takes 45 to a hour most times hey its about the will then he apologizes i hug him and kiss him and we watch cartoons together  just like a puppy dont be scared u have to let em know or they will think they run things and thats never good