Name: Scooter

Number of kids: 2

Ages of kids: 4 and 6

Problem: Our 6 year old son who entered first grade this year has undergone a drastic change. He has become prone to violent outbursts when he gets angry. This anger can be caused by the seemingly simplest things. When he doesn't listen, we calmly tell him to go to time out. He refuses. We then say something like, "If you are not in your room by the count of three, you will lose your bike for the day". He'll respond, "I don't care". or "You can't make me". I try hard not to lose my temper. I stay calm, and increase the penalties. He gets more and more belligerent.

Eventually, he loses toys, bikes, legos, tv and the computer. By now, he is not listening, but he is also loud and getting angrier and angrier. He'll pick up objects and throw them at us. He'll try to scratch, bite and kick us. If we tell him to pull himself together, and leave the room, he follow us trying to hit us and throw things at us. If we close ourselves in our room, he will sit outside our door kicking the door and yelling obscenities. I think you get the picture.

The only major change that has occurred is that he started 1st grade in September. He attends an after school day care program in his school three days a week from 4:00 - 6:00. It is attended by about 15 kids. Many of the kids in the program are older, but there are a few his age. They play games, draw, color, etc. I'm at a loss as to how to handle his violent outbursts. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Solution: None submitted yet.