What to do with a troubled child?

Question

I have a son who just turned 8 and i am seeing some scary things going on. He has been trying to hurt himself as well as others. He has split-second mood swings and gets upset over absolutely nothing. Not remembering the simplest things like flushing the toilet, brushing his teeth, wiping his butt after he goes to the bathroom. Just simple everyday things. He has had a hard life being bounced between me, his dad and my mom. His Ex- step mom used to do all sorts of cruel things to him (and yes we are just finding this out now). My soon to be Ex husband always treated him and I like we are the fault of everything. I have another child who is autistic and my ex husband favors him. Him and my little one can do absolutely no wrong. When it comes to my family,,, they are always very supportive. But they are becoming more and more concerned as i and his teachers are. I, on the other hand, would do anything for either of my kids. And they both know that. I don't and never will have a favorite and the favoring is part of the reason i am divorcing my husband. I guess i just don't know where to turn, or who i need to have him seen by, If anyone has any advice i would appreciate it!!

Answer 1

Have u had him checked for ADHD or ADD? go to family doctor they can help. He might just need some meds to help him concentrate and think his actions through..

Answer 2

Take him to your pediatrician and tell him what is going on with your son.  He or she will be able to recommend a good child psychologist to take him to and hopefully get him on the right path.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

You really need to get in touch with a mental health professional as soon as possible. He is showing some pretty disturbing behaviors and because of his history, he need some immediate intervention.

I will admit......I had to take a very deep breath before I answered this one. You admit he has had a hard life and when parents can not get their lives together for whatever the reason, it is going to cause some harm to any children involved. This child is confused as h**l and probably very angry.....rightfully so.

My initial response to you would have been to get your d**n act together and stop being so selfish because you have children to parent....but who am I to judge.....right?

Answer 4

Bless his little heart; it sounds like he's been through a lot.  I agree with you that his behavior is troubling.  I would call his pediatrician immediately to get a referral to a mental health professional.  He or she should be able to steer you in the right direction and figure out the best plan of action to help your son.  All the best to you.  

Answer 5

This honestly sounds like the early stages of bipolarity. I strongly suggest you get him into a specialist as soon as you can. My sister showed this at his age but was not diagnosed. Then, when she was 16, she attempted suicide. Now she is on medication and is okay.