Question
My husband and I have, unintentionally, created the "only child syndrome" with our 4 YO. We altered our work schedules in order for one of us to be home with him since birth, in order to avoid daycare. We thought that was a good thing, but, in hindsight, perhaps he should have gone for at least half a day daily! He is very smart and verbal, but emotionally immature. We say "no" A LOT, and he often throws tantrums/has emotional meltdowns as a result. In addition, he is quite defiant - I'd have to label him as "uncooperative" with us. We've made mistakes (kept thinking he would outgrow this and reason would set in..) ,but are now determined to correct them! We haven't been consistent with your various disciplinary measures to kick him out of the Garden of Eden yet,so what's the best plan of action? Tickets? Can we do a combination, ie. toy goes to charity for tantrums and tickets for obeying us w/o defiance? I'm embarassed to admit he probably will not stay in his room for hours after supper...
By the way, we get GLOWING REPORTS from everybody else concerning his behavior- dentist, preschool teachers (3 mornings a week) and even his pediatrician told my sister he was such a "good boy". Yup, he behaves for everyone else ...
Thanks for any advice!
