My 6 year old son loves to talk back and argue with me.

Maura - posted on 04/14/2009

Also, if you can handle it....does he like music? Maybe some kind of musical instrument do direct his energy elsewhere. Ask him if he has ever wanted to make music or play an instrument and see what he says. Kids that are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD learn differently. Music might help.

Maura - posted on 04/14/2009

Well I am going to offer completely different alternative. Try keeping him busy. Ask him to be your helper. Can he help you clean? Can he water the plants in the backyard for you? Can he show his younger siblings how to paint or mold clay? Does he enjoy cooking or helping you in the kitchen. Kids love to feel needed. Maybe he is just looking for some purpose and it manifest through trouble. I give my 3 year old son all kinds of jobs to do throughout the house and he loves being outside in the back yard painting or watering plants. Don't get me wrong he still gets in trouble (kids will be kids,especially boys) but he gets into a whole lot less when he has "important" things to do.

Yolanda - posted on 04/14/2009

I have a 6 year old son too and he like yours likes to test my patience. He was very agumentative until we started a star system, he wanted a ps2 so we tested him on it, if he could behave and not backchat on day 1 then he got a big star on the kitchen wall, then day 2 day 3 and when he got all his stars he recieved the ps2. But we kept them up and said ''now if you misbehave then you lose a star until you have none left then you lose the computer. And believe me it worked, he hardly back chats, if he dose he loses it until the next day. Try it! (use their fave toy if needs be)

Christine - posted on 04/14/2009

My son is 4 and I have the same problem. Its a constant power struggle. I am still having a hard time trying to find the one thing that works to punish him. The last thing I did was take away the playstation and computer for 4 days. I have to say, that really struck a nerve with him. Usually I cave, but this time I stuck it out for the full 4 days and it seemed to help. I think that they react to their favorite things, whether its coloring, riding a bike, computer games, etc. Even if it is a new favorite toy each day lol :) Best of luck... and if you find the magic answer, let me know too!!!

Wendy - posted on 04/14/2009

I have tryed spanking he laughs at me. He cares for about 20 minutes if i take away a toy then he doesn't even remember. He does have ADD and ADHD. I am at a loss. Thanks

Jen - posted on 04/14/2009

I found that putting them in time out for a min per age on a chair helps. If they get up, you have to put them back until they sit there for their time. Explain to him, that each time he gets up the time starts over. It's hard I know, and it can last for an hour, but you have to be consistant and persistant with it. Once he does the time, get him to apologize to you. Tell him that behavior is not acceptable. It worked for me. I gave up time and time again when putting him in time out but finally said, take control and keep putting him there until he sits, he finally did. Good luck :)

Ricketta - posted on 04/14/2009

Wow. Do you believe in spanking and time out? Not hitting him with like a belt or anything, like just popping his little bottom or taking away his favorite toys. If you don't stop him now he's going to become quite a handful.