What can I do about my 7 year old not listening?

Question

My son was always so good when we were living in our apartment. We decided to move in with his Dad in April when we had another baby. Since then my 7 year old has been not listening more and more. He plays outside daily with neighbor hood kids and acts great with them and their parents and then he comes home and has an attitude, folds his arms, smacks his lips. Everytime he comes inside he whines and crys when we won't let him go back out. We just can't take it anymore and I don't know what to do. He used to be my little buddy and now he would rather go outside with his friends then be with us. I don't think that he is learning bad things from his best friend because he is pretty well rounded and when my son is about to get into trouble his friend tells him to listen to his Mom. So, I don't know what to do. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Good thing you have another baby because the big news you need to hear is that your seven year old is not a baby anymore. He would much rather play with his fun friends his age than hang around his old mom. Wouldn`t you rather have him start being more independent then have him still raiding your refrigerator and sleeping in his childhood room when he is 32?

Cut the cord.

And simply set down house rules for how he is supposed to address you and behave around the house. There is no reason to tolerate whining and being rude.

Answer 2

I don't think this sounds majorly serious.

Answer 3

i think he's just growing....

its sad but he'll get over it

since before he was "alone" in the apartment and now he's surrounded by these kids he wants to be apart of that....

I'm not there to witness things happening but does it really matter letting him out to play a little more...or the time he wants? idk like i said I'm not there, but is he wanting to play that much more?

Answer 4

Apparently he hasn't learned that bad things happen when he gives you the ATTITUDE.  If bad things happen every time he misbehaves, he will eventually cease misbehaving.  Be certain you reward good behavior, do not speak loudly nor get angry, but be serious and consistent.

Answer 5

He has two major changes in his life lately, he has had to move, and he has a new sibling.  That has shaken up his little world a h**l of a lot here.  Maybe HE didn't want to move in with his dad.  Did it ever occur to you to ask him how he felt about everything?  He knows that he USED to be your "little buddy" but that has changed and YOU changed it.  He is probably angry about that.

Answer 6

Sounds like he has too much ear wax..

Solution: put son over knee... smack bottom a few times,

it's amazing how the ear wax loosens up after that.

Answer 7

Sounds like the age and maybe big bro jealousy.

Answer 8

It's very simple, your son just feels he's lonely and he isn't patience with the baby. I mean he's seven years old, he wants to play with someone without harming anyone or able to play with. He just wants to have a big brother or he isn't into the only child thing. Maybe try having a sleepover for at least a night and he'll be having fun. I think that's why.

Answer 9

I don't think you need to address him wanting to spent time outside and with his friends. He was your 'buddy' when he was younger, but he is moving towards a more social age right now & his desire to be with peers will only continue to grow.

HOWEVER, you need to address his disrespect. You are correct to not want to spank him - there is plenty of research to back that up. (Although I do believe that is a family decision).

First off, if you say it you HAVE to mean it. Once you go back on something, he'll think you don't really mean it. I'd sit down with him and tell him that you realize he is getting older and you want to have a more 'respectful' or 'adult-like' relationship with him. If there are things you want him to do at home (homework, chores, etc.) tell him he has to do them before he can go outside. Sit down and create a schedule with him that he agrees to.

If the 'taking away' of things doesn't seem to matter to him - try to reverse it & have him earn those privileges. Tell him if he is respectful at home today, he has tv and video game privileges for tomorrow. If he had one minor problem, maybe only allow one of those. However, if you say that - you need to stick to it. Take the game controllers to work with you if you're not going to be home. Use the parental controls on your tv (if you have them) to block the channels.

Try to focus on the positive and make him feel you are being fair and respectful of his feelings. Be honest about yours. THIS will create long term results - spanking is very temporary and doesn't teach you anything (except - don't get caught!)

Answer 10

just a kid trying to be rebellious against his parents?

could just be a phase

Answer 11

I don't have children, but have worked with them--well teenagers. Have you tried revoking privileges like tv or computer or whatever he likes? Just doing that temperorly doing that may help, explaining to him that if he cannot listen to Mom and Dad that he cannot watch tv, play on the computer/Wii station, etc...Hope this helps...