I Have a 6 Year Old That Won't Listen

I am in the same boat - my son is 4 1/2 and the most strong willed child. It's hard a single mother, to MAKE your child respect you. You must be firm and consistent. What has worked the best for me:

#1 stick his nose in the corner (humiliation works for mine)

#2 after school - it's eat, bathe and strait to bed (6:30pm ish) he HATES that, but it reminds him he MUST cooperate or he is punished. (this worked well for a bad day at school - I only had to do that once, and he has been SO much better ever since)

Hope this may help a little...
A.

I can totally relate. My son is 7 and doing the same things. I am constantly worn out from it and feeling like I am starting to yell constantly. If you find some answers to the problem, please share! Some days I just have to secretly cry because I feel like a failure.

S.

i went through something similar when my sons dad left, with being a single mom, for awhile, he tried my patients big time...things get better, and it is normal it is a phase, and also with his dad going out of his life all at once, he could be resenting you thinking you made him go away, yes believe it or not, kids his age can think that...he is just trying your patients, if he has a uncle, or grandfather, or someone you trust to spend some one on one time with as a male in his life it may help..hope that helps and good luck

L.

S.,
I have also heard this same plea from many moms. Your child needs to know that you are boss and he must submit to your authority. You need to consistently show him that you are boss. This does not include repeating everything you say to him, or raising your voice. Try saying your request once. For example, "Go pick up your toys." If he does not do it, give him a quick swat on the leg with a switch. That will wake him up and he will begin to realize that you mean business. It's important to do this calmly and controllably. Of course, your object is not to hurt your son, your object is for your son to obey and the quick switch only reinforces that "you obey or there are consequences." I am not talking about spanking here, there is a difference. Your son will pick up on your new parenting style quickly. Be consistent! I promise, it is exactly what your son wants from you.

Hi, Im a single mother also. My youngest daughter will be six in March, for a long time after I left my ex husband she was angry at the world and believed for a long time it was her fault. I talked to some professionals who assured me her phase would pass but until then I needed to assure her that she had absolutely nothing to do with the decision I made. She was upset with me for awhile, but time has reassured her that she is safe and well loved by everyone in it. I do my best to guide her anger so it doesnt hurt anyone else. I hope this gives you some insight and encouragement...it does pass.

OMG I feel your pain 200% if you find out the answer please let me know.

S.,

I want to tell you what I told another mom.. I don't have an answer but you are not alone! I know that doesn't help a lot but hopefully it lets you know you are not a bad mom, your child is not a bad kid.. it's a phase. Granted we don't know how long some phases last.. but like you I hope it's not much longer. Sometimes it just helps to hear that someone else is having the same struggles! Hold in there!