Frustrated Father

[carebear2534]

Gabriel is four years old. He loves to play, and he hates to go home from playing, or come in the house when playtime is over. He throws a fit, crys a lot, and last week when I tried to tell him it was time to go home from playing at my bothers house, he tried to run from me. I tried to grab his shirt and missed his shirt crabing his shoulder instead. I left a mark where I grabbed him, and have been feeling bad about it all week. I was frustrated and yelled at him, and gave him a good wack on the but. He does this often, not to push my buttosn, but because he just loves to play. I need to be consistent, but my frustration gets to me before my consistency gets to me. Any help would be great.

Gary
Colorado

[MommaC]

Well, I'd say first you've got to work on remaining calm. But that may come along with feeling in control of the situation. Make sure that if play time is coming to an end, you give him a couple warnings. Let him know when he has 15, 10, and 5 minutes left. Set a timer so that there's no arguing. Always be calm and firm. Have him clean up and say good-bye to his playmates. And give it time to work. If you think it's helpful, you guys could write a book together. That lets him know what to expect and teaches him how to properly respond to your parenting. Just write one step on each page (Gabriel was having a great time playing with his friend. Daddy told him there were only 5 minutes left to play, so Gabriel finished building his tower. Daddy said it was time to go. Gabriel cleaned up the toys. Then Gabriel told his friend good-bye and gave him a hi-5. Gabriel walked to the car with Daddy and put his seatbelt on. Daddy and Gabriel were finally home.) Good luck to you!

[carebear2534]

Thanks!!!! Great advice. I really needed that.
Gary in Colorado

[Daddy Cares]

My wife and I have two boys, 3 and 5 year old.

They both love playtime once they get home from school. Before we let the boys play we let them know right away that playtime is for 1/2 hour or so. We have them look at the clock and till them when it reaches this time you are all done playing. This does work for us, but you have to set the time limit up right away.

I can also understand when you get frustrated, when I do get that way I feel like I am at their level. Once they see that then they see if they can go past the time limit. I have to take a step back and let them know that if they want to have playtime tomorrow they have to listen to me now.