Please help me w/ my ds5 and his attitude...

[Sue G in PA]

I know it seems I'm having lots of issues w/ many of my dc. Really, it's mainly my ds6 who has Aspergers and whatever else AND my ds5 who just seems to be NASTY all the time. He has fleeting moments of being nice, kind, loving (when he'll just come up and hug me and say I love you). Then, the next moment he is nasty, disrespectful, grumpy, cranky, etc. I've already cut out visits to my neighbor (remember that post?) much to her dismay, but oh well! I spend time with him, we read, he does some K work, I praise him constantly for his accomplishments (which are many), we snuggle a lot, etc. I don't feel like I'm neglecting him and he needs more attention. I just don't know what to do. When disciplined...he gets worse. Any help? TIA

[Old Dominion Heather]

Wow... I don't know, Maybe it is the age. My five-year-old has been rotten all day. I don't know if it is that he is stuck in the middle, or feels like he isn't getting what he needs or what but his attitude is just rotten. I have found that being inside is NOT GOOD. He needs to be outside and we have been having freezing rain that coincided with his dad's birthday. So we had sugar and no outside time.

[Beth in Central TX]

I remember the neighbor post. How long has it been since you've cut out the visits? Do you think he just needs some detox time? Schedule changes are tough around here. Even without the excuse of a schedule change, my 5-year old sat time out (twice) for his bad attitude today.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I second the thought that he needs some time to detox from having been away from your influence so much. Remember, he's been used to being catered to and spoiled all the time. It may seem to him like it's not as nice to be home but really the other wasn't the best thing for him. Treasure the good times, be consistent in discipline in the bad. Maybe give him something special to look forward to: "When you get xyz done, I'll play Candy-Land with you." or "When I get xyz done, I'll play Candy-Land with you."