Spoiled child driving me nuts - help!

[Insane]

Honestly, I think you are a step parent here. You've been with him a year, and if you've lived ith him for long enough, you could be common-law which is as good as married.

In our house we use a lot of "I'm going to help you". For example....I'm giving you to the count of 3 then I'm going to help you get your boots on. In the candy incident I would have said "I'll give you to the count of 3 to get off the chair or I'm going to help you. Then followed suit by taking him down. Honestly, I would have said no in that situation too. What has he got to loose? There is no reason you "can't touch" him. I'm not saying go ahead and spank him or whatever but you are also sending him mixed messages by not picking him up, carrying him, ect.... You should show him you care and the most tangible for a child is touch...hugging, piggy backs, high fives. He doesn't have cooties...go ahead and lift him off the counter, give him a hug, carry him to his room. It's not up to dad to follow through on your consequences (we call them consequences in our house because actions have consequences.)...you need to follow through. In our house he who dishes out the consequences follows through to the end (so there is no bad or good guy) and that includes implending the consequence and talking to the child afterwards.

You can always borrow a book or 2 from the library on step parenting too. If he's living with you 2/7th of your time then you should be thinking like he is your step child and not a house guest.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[hottiemommadaly]

hand over hand make him pick up the toys and if nessasary but him in a saftey hold.... take charge. if the father does not like it think how he would treat any kids you might have with him ... do u want that?

[francine1985]

Did you ever have the discussion with your boyfriend? If so I hope it went well.

[icangarden]

I'm curious about that also....could you update please?