The terrible 5s?

[vkj73]

The terrible twos and threes were a cake walk compared to some of what we're going through with our soon-to-be 6yo. I seriously feel like this is a window into the teenage years.

Our concerns:
1. One false move, when we're least expecting it can set her off (i.e. she gets frustrated about something)
2. She has a very hard time going to bed.

We have a bed time routine, we've tired various methods, including incentive charts and calm, reassuring talks. The chart is touch and go. If we ignore the behavior and let her calm down, a hug usually does the trick.

I understand that it's normal for kids keep to it together all day at school, then come home and because they are comfortable, act out more.

I guess what I'm looking for is to hear that this really is all normal and that it passes (for now). The volatility is really stressful.

Thank you in advance!

 

[alibaba24]

My just turned 6 year old is either shouting or crying at the moment. I get that she's tired from school and I usually suggest we do something nice together rather than punish her and it seems to work . Unless I feel she's being really out of line then there's a consequence

 

[dani_tinks]

My 6 year old gets very grumpy after school and argues with us quite often. He never wants to go to bed despite being obviously exhausted. Every evening is a challenge!

 

[Natasha2605]

I think it's very normal and common, especially coming home from school etc. I do think though that the difference at 5 and 6 is that they KNOW better and I can act accordingly as a result. Summer can often have an attitude coming out of school for one reason or another and I tell her to drop it or else she can sit in her room when she gets home rather than join in the fun.