Anger and name calling, need help

[belle41578]

My son is 4 1/2 years old. For the past month or more at bedtime he is very difficult in brushing his teeth, getting his PJ's on and going to sleep. Once in bed he kicks his wall, screams that he is going to break all of his toys, calls us names and threatens us. He says he will hit me or pull his fist back as if he is going to hit me. I try my best not to yell at him or spank him, and try just to ignore him until he goes to bed. We have the same routine every night for bedtime as far as time and reading stoires. BUt as soon as those stories are over he becomes the child from hell. Even everyday things like getting him to eat lunch or sitting him in time out results in him threatening me or calling me names. I am at my witts end and terrified as to what kind of kid and grown up he will become. He is also demanding, saying I want milk now! or I want *whatever* now. He says please but its not sincere. I have tried time outs and the naughty chair but he just screams and threatens us. I know that part of it stems from my husband playing swords with him and letting him see certain shows that are not age appropriate. My husband now understands the result of letting him doing that despite my warnings. We have agreed to take away the toy swords and guns and he can only watch certain cartoons now. I wonder is it too late? What do I do when time out doesn't work? WHen telling him I am taking things away or not letting him do things doesn't work what do I have left? I feel as if I have already failed him as a mom and he is only 4. Would taking him to a child therapist work? I have a feeling they will tell me to do what we have already set in motion as far as taking away the toys and shows. I feel all alone with a child like this.

[big-mouth-burgher]

A therapist will work with you to find a solution that works for your family. They will find out what you have tried, what you are currently doing, and what works and what doesn't. They will even have some ideas of things you can try and what to say, how to handle this kind of behavior. Remember to always be consistant, both you and your husband, and it is not acceptable to talk to your parents (anyone for that matter) like that and it needs to stop now. The longer you let this kind of behavior go on the harder it will be to correct. Every now and again a child needs his world turned upside down to realize that his parents mean business.