Anonymous wrote:A lot of people in this world simply don't want to be here. He knows it earlier then others. I would keep doing what your doing and be aware that he probably didn't ask to be born and is simply going through the motions of life but struggling to accept that he is here.

You sound like you could use a therapist... are you okay?

A lot of people in this world simply don't want to be here. He knows it earlier then others. I would keep doing what your doing and be aware that he probably didn't ask to be born and is simply going through the motions of life but struggling to accept that he is here.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think your DS2 sounds "normal", OP. Follow your gut and talk to your pediatrician and ask for a referral to a specialist.

That's super helpful. A specialist.

Molars? And communication frustration probably. Maybe some speech therapy and or baby sign language. My toddler is not two but she is so happy when she can sign "more" or "water" and see that she was understood since she gets what she wants/needs.

Is he maybe acting out on a perceived lack of connection? He might be picking up on you comparing him negatively to older brother. I also had a difficult one also until I went to great lengths to re-connect with him and it made a HUGE difference.

Similar dynamics here OP. My ODD who is 6 now was/is an absolute angel. My YDD who is 5 has always been very strong-willed and defiant. It's gotten better as she's gotten older and it DEFINITELY improved when she was able to communicate better. She has a very short temper and gets angry at the drop of a hat if she's not understood or if she's being told no or if she doesn't want to do what we ask her to do, etc. Now that she's old enough to understand consequences and we can use systems like 1, 2, 3 Magic, we've seen great improvement but we still have battles like this morning when she fought with me over every, single article of clothing she was putting on. The funny thing is, though, that even though she is so much more difficult than her sister, she's also so much more loving. Sure, my oldest never fights with me about anything and is "easy" to parent but she also doesn't show me the love and affection my youngest does. It's like my oldest is just even-keeled...straight middle of the road. My youngest I would describe as passionate and that passion can resonate on either end of the spectrum...intense anger on one side and intense love on the other.

They are who they are and I have to parent/discipline them differently. It's tough but it is what it is. You have to find ways that work for you and if that means seeking outside resources like parenting classes or books on disicpline, then do it.

FWIW - I've contemplated speaking to her pediatrician about possible sensory issues and I've even wondered if there are anger management classes for 5 year olds. LOL!

One question...is your son like this with everybody? Or just you?