I thought we were turning a corner with Ellis this week. He's had glowing reports for his behaviour, his attention and concentration has improved (I've been training him to look at people when they speak to him..) and he even got Star of The Week on Wednesday for listening and following instructions in Line Dancing. I was chuffed.....until today....
Got called in early for 'a chat' - he has been completely bonkers today. Wouldn't sit down, running around like a loony, climbing on things, shouting and screaming (not screaming crying, screaming the words to nursery rhymes and that), being too rough when playing with the other children and being cheeky and insolent to the staff.
They are off to see a pantomime on Monday, I have already been warned that I might be asked to collect him early from the theatre if his behaviour is the same as it was today.
I've tried to ask him why he's been like this today, and all I'm getting is sulky back-chat and cheek.
He woke up like Captain Crazy this morning, started bouncing on the sofa, pushing his brother around and nagging and whining; he was so bad I though OH had put sugar on his cereal, but no.
Don't know how to deal with it. Part of me thinks that he enjoys getting the extra attention that being disruptive brings, particularly in nursery where the other children obviously find his antics hilarious. I would ignore it at home, but of course they can't do that in nursery, and I want to keep some continuity.
Just a moany rant, I suppose. He can be such a lovely boy, I've been so proud of him this week; but today he is the Devil Incarnate and I don't know what triggers it, or what I can do to stop it. ~X(
what cereal did he have? might be something in the cereal hun,youd be suprised at whats hidden in some foods,you wouldnt belive the amount of sugar thats in baked beans,also cordials too,check the ingredients see if there was anything in it to kick him off.
if not what time did he go sleep? that maybe a problem?
they should be able to handle him though,it sounds like theyre not very good at handling him.
what you could do to stop it is a reward chart,and say if ellis is good at school all week then hell get so many stars,and at the end of the week give him a treat,however if hes naughty take the stars away.and make him earn them back,hope this helps xx
Did he have anything unusual to eat last night or did he not eat enough?
He could just be being a devil or he could have had enough of being good and just needed to let off steam
Actually, he was mucking around in his bedroom quite late last night, now you mention it.
He's having the same cereal as always - Weetabix with a handful of Asda's own brand Cheerios on the top, with no extra sugar. We've stopped him having certain types of squash as I thought it might have been the Aspartame; he had very diluted cranberry and raspberry juice yesterday (you know the stuff in the carton); he hasn't had any weird sweets or anything like that.
He does have a reward chart - I nearly screwed it up and threw it in the bin today, I'm telling you!
Perhaps I'm being a bit unfair, and you're right, Jacq - maybe he did just need to blow off steam.
Also, I've just realised - they were playing quite loud music in the nursery when we got there today, Scottish country dancing music as they were celebrating St Andrew's Day. His behaviour does always seem to be worse, as you know, when there is a lot going on, and background noise. I'll ask them on Monday whether it was playing all through the session....
Jacs to be honest your describing our youngest - he loved the attention and I'm not saying he was in control of what he was doing but I certainly felt he was 'winding himself up' at times.
Look at what he's eating prior to bed - I know it sounds daft but does it tie in with say less supper ? Waking up on a totally empty belly can affect them, so maybe porridge or soemthing similair for supper would help ?
Can you offer to go to the nursery pantomine with him ?
I also think Shazz's idea is a good one would nursery run it with you - a star a day or to be honest a star an hour (gives him more chances to suceed) with you rewarding so many in a week with something small.
Good Luck love.
Yep, will speak to nursery about stickers. I will also look at giving him something before bed if he hasn't cracked on with his dinner (we eat about 7pm, he goes to bed around 8.15 so I never thought of hunger, tbh). He hates porridge, but I could try a banana and some toast.
I can't go on the trip, Pol, as I don't have my Disclosure - I went to get a form from the school a fortnight ago and they'd run out; wouldn't have done me any good anyway as they are currently processing in around 8 weeks, apparently. Besides, I've got nobody to look after Finnyface for me...
(And yes, it is ridiculous that I need a disclosure to accompany my own child on a group excursion...)
Thanks everyone!
Sounds like he may have been a little 'over-stimulated' then? I hope the weekend is better for you.
Just a point with the reward chart - please don't take away stickers if he has already earned them, as that will discourage him from trying to be good.
To be honest Jacs, when they're 3 any improvement is a huge achievement so I'd sleep on it and start afresh tomorrow. Focus on how good he's been this week, maybe write a few aims each week that you want to work on, and keep on rewarding all of the good behaviour.
It does get easier the longer they stay at nursery, and the staff kind of grow with them and learn better ways of dealing with each child effectively. Big hugs to you, and don't feel crap about this. Everyone I know has been called into nursery to have "a quiet word" about behaviour (maybe that says a lot about the kind of mummy friends I have!).
Lordy do people actually take away stickers ???
YS's nurseryu don't
Jacs, legally you can go on the trip as long as the only child you are responsible for is your own
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