 | Go to Amazon.com and buy books written by Mary Kurchinca. You have a spirited child! All of those qualities that people find so undesirable are positive qualities in an adult. He's a unique individual.
I'd start by trying attention and praise. Give him LOTs of attention, praise good behavior, build his self-esteem. Encourage conversations, give him lots of eye contact, tell him you like spending time with him, ask him if he wants to play, tell him he's very special to you. Kids who feel really good about themselves seem to behave better I think.
I'd put him in a home daycare with a low ratio and one or two children his age. My son did what yours is doing. He is not a bad child, he just needs a different environment, that one is not working out for him. Maybe all of those kids are stressing him out. My 3 yo told me flat out "there's too many kids there mom." Maybe he needs an energetic daycare provider with a strong personality, one with skills at managing challenging children. Maybe he does not like structure, and it stresses him out. My son didn't like group activities, and acted up when forced. He likes free play. You can teach colors, shapes, alphabet, and counting at home, so I wouldn't worry about that. Maybe he's immature.
As for the biting, I have a suggestion. But I used this for hitting. Draw a road that divides in two, with a happy face on one and a sad face on the other. Tell him that people who bite take the sad road, they have no friends, they play alone, they are not invited to b-day parties. People who do not bite take the happy road, have friends, etc. Which road to you want to take? Leave in on the fridge. Every morning ask which road he wants to take. When he picks the happy road, praise. When he takes the sad road, say, too bad for you, pretty soon you'll play all alone. Put a happy face stamp on his hand for him to look at when angry so he remembers.
Good luck. |
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