Stubborn 4-Year-old Boy

My 3 1/2 year old is exactly the same when it comes to participating in a group event. She just refuses to go. Super excited about it before hand and when we get there and then freezes up/refuses to do anything when it comes time to the event. If you find a method that works, let me know. We've tried everything and now are just going to wait a few months, ignoring the behaviour, and then try again. I hear your frustration, we're at our wits end too sometimes with it.

Here's two resources that might be helpful...

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/6/T060100.asp

http://drphil.com/articles/article/38

http://drphil.com/shows/show/71/

Best wishes,
J.

My almost 4 yo does the same thing. He was in a sports class and wanted to go but when he got there he would not participate. We felt like we were the only ones because all the other kids were listening. I think its just the age. Sometimes he does great and other times he will not listen at all. I hope and believe its just a phase, but we do tell him he cant go to the class unless he acts right, etc. We actually skipped the last class because everytime he went he would not listen. We are going to try again in a few months and talk about it with him before signing up. Good luck. If you find a solution, let me know.

Have you tried to talk to him? Maybe try role playing. He can be the doctor and you the patient and vise versa. You might want to do the same with the teacher. Otherwise, I would say that if he does a good job all week, you will do something special with him on Friday. Special time with him, have a special ice cream, or special weekend activity (even if it's the playground or going for a walk).

Sounds like he's really not "into" tumbeling. He probably likes the sociability of being with other kids but is defying structure. Get him out of it now. Don't threaten or bribe him. Simply tell him he's not coming anymore and that he's ruined it himself because he doesn't behave. Take him OUT and don't take him back. Maybe next year you can try again, if not tumbling, then some other sport. We can't make them like wheat we like or think is goo for them. They all descide on their own no matter what the consequences. If he behaves at the dr. u can reward him at McDonalds or something special for him (till he learns). If you don't get him to listen now he'll never listen in school etc.

Hi,

My 4 year old is the same way. He acts out sometimes, and i think with having a younger sibling, they want to act like a baby too at times and act like their sibling is. Just take a deep breath and give him time.

Maybe you could start a reward chart for good behavior. If he gets a certain amount of good marks, he can get a small reward, such as a trip out for ice cream, picking out a movie, or a trip to the library. Good luck.