My child is out of control and I'm lost on what to do?

Question

I am a divorced mom of an 8 year old boy. His dad left 6 yrs ago. We haven't seen him since.

Until a year ago everything was going fine. But now my son is acting out & I dont know what to do. He used to be a sweet, compassionate child who got along with everyone. Even his teachers raved about how extraordinarily kind and gentle he was.

But lately his temper is out-of-control. He screams, cries, & throws things when he doesn't get his way or is angered. I've tried everything: time-outs, groundings, taking away favorite toys and privileges... even spanking which is something I never believed in. I still don't, but I am desperate.

My son tested at the genius level but he cant pay attention or stay on task to save his life. His Dr. prescribed Ritalin, which only made things worse. He's also not getting along with other kids anymore.

Nothing disruptive or tragic has happened. Nothing's changed. Im not dating. This has truly come out of the blue.

Please only serious answers

Answer 1

This may come out of left field, but kids that are at the genius level have some of the worst social problems. Even some are borderline autistic. I just saw a program about high functioning autistic kids that were genius's but could not handle day to day social activities, and got real angry. He has a brain that is fuctioning so fast that his emotions are laging behind. Look into counseling.

Answer 2

I don't have the answer to your question but I do feel for you because I am in much the same boat as you except it is my 11 year old daughter who was in the gifted classed and is now failing and is so terrible. I truly hope things will get better for you.

Answer 3

This sort of behaviour is normal for a child who is extremely intelligent. He may be feeling frustrated because he is only 8 years old but has the mind of say a 10 or 11 year old.

He might need to see a counsellor to get some strategies to deal with his frustrations. Talk to his teacher and see what she does and if it works. If he is really bright then you will be able to discuss the stragies with him and explain why they are better for dealing with his anger. Speak to him calmly when he's doing this and describe to him what you see when he does this and explain what you would like to see. Can you give us some examples of what he gets angry about?

Answer 4

Have you tried to simply ask him (when he isn't throwing a tantrum) what is going on in his life, and why he is having problems sometimes? Counseling may be an option. Kids can be cruel, maybe a friend or kid at school made a comment about him not having a dad or something, could abuse be possible? (other family members, coaches, etc) Also, I personally would take him off the Ritalin (that stuff is horrible!!)

This may sound odd, but check into chiropractic... deviations in the spine can press on nerves and such and maybe that is a contributing factor. (it doesn't take a traumatic accidnet of fall to have 'subluxations' in the spine) the chiropractor I go to has tons of brochures about how chiropractic care helps with ADD/ADHD, and a HUGE multitude of other problems. Since you are 'desperate' anything is worth a try, right?

Answer 5

Look into an older male mentor for him.

Answer 6

it sounds like maybe the ritalin does not agree with him. call the doctor immediately and tell him about the turn of events. ask for a different medication. Concerta might be a good one, and my son did OK on the daytrana patch. the coolest part of the patch is that you put it on in the morning, and take it off after school. the medication is out of thier system by bedtime so they can sleep. specifically ask your doctor about adding Risperdal for his anger. My doctor says that it decreases the "fight or flight " instinct, and it has worked for my son.