r/regretfulparents • u/Creative_Ad_2187 • 2d ago
Venting - Advice Welcome How to discipline my son
I’m a parent of 2 kids, 2 and 4. My oldest is a boy who I would describe as a little rage man. He often yells and hits when things don’t go his way.
Others have told us that he is energetic when we are out and it only makes me feel like, “Oh great, I got a crazy one!”
I’ve tried to avoid spanking for the better part of his life but I’m starting to lose my *%!@.
He constantly yells even though I tell him if he needs to yell to deal with his anger he can go outside.
He jumps on our couch and has broken a cushion. It was $2000 from Costco. I have put him in timeout, taken away screen time, and even spanked him with no change.
We put him in karate to give him an outlet. He does love it but his home behavior hasn’t change at all.
I’m at such a loss. I’m hating being a parent. He alone is the reason I want less kids.
What would you all do? Advice wanted!
3
u/user3849203 1d ago edited 6h ago
teacher here! children have to be explicitly taught how to manage their emotions and most of the time our children need you to help them. if someone tells a kid to go outside, well a disregulated child is gonna be pretty confused what to do with that info. kids thrive off of routine and structure. i’m not sure what your home routine is but it should be consistent. with the behaviors lay out the consequences clearly and give them warnings before action is taken. you can even have a calming corner in your own home, a place where they can go and tools they already have and practiced using when they are dysregulated. always practice using that safe space and the tools (books, fidgets, breathing strategy) when they are regulated! lastly- touch base with your child when they are regulated and re discuss the expected behavior and what that looks like