Name: crayola

Union, NJ

Number of kids: 3

Ages of kids: 3, 3, twins and 6

Problem: My 6 year old son goes from happy, to crying, to mad, at the drop of a hat. I feel we are walking on egg shells around him. He is never happy when he is in the presence of our family. He always wants someone over but he would rather be at someone else's house. Most of the time I give in because I cannot stand to see him cry and carry on. I actually snap and lose control with my words. How do I go about being strict and giving him some structure.

Solution submitted "MomnOhio" from Reynoldsburg, OH: Your child sounds just like my 6 yr old son who has been diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Does your child have problems paying attention or sitting still in school. If so, ADD may be the problem. Are the problems only at home or do they happen other places. What grade is he in? Please do not hesitate to email me. You might want to read the book, "1-2-3 Magic" by Thomas Phelan. It tells how to discipline your 2 - 12 year old, especially ADD kids. They do not react well to discipline.

Editor's Note: This book can be ordered through The #!Parentsroom Bookstore in association with Amazon.com by clicking on the book jacket or title above. The Amazon Synopsis is as follows: It's not easy being a parent--and when children are acting like little monsters it would be helpful to handle their disrespectul outbursts in a reasonable, unemotional manner. A proven bestseller, 1-2-3 Magic addresses the difficult task of child disipline with humor, keen insight and proven experience.

Solution submitted "Cty" from Ithaca, NY: I just read a solution that suggest you buy the book "1-2-3 Magic". I simply wanted to tell you that I just took a parenting class that showed the video of this. I like the basic principle although I have a "tester" (you'll know what I mean after you read/see it) so I'm still trying to get the kids used to this method. My point is that this book is also in video if you don't have time to read it and in many cases it is available at your local library! Check it out.

Please submit any more solutions.

Post your own Problem.