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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
5 year olds adores dad, 'dislikes' mom
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
5 year olds adores dad, 'dislikes' mom
by msr, Jul 04, 2000 12:00AM
My 5 year old son dotes on his father who spends a lot of time with him. I am the "typical" busy mom who works, cooks, cleans and disiplines. Though our family is none other than ordinary, I am worried about son who tells me he doesn't love me, just daddy. I know this could be a stage but it's been going on for months.I am for the most part a loving mother and I feel like I disipline when it's needed but try not to spank unless I feel it's necessary. Am I putting too much into this? Is this a normal stage of a 5 year old toward his mother? Thanks for your help.......
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Jul 05, 2000 12:00AM
, Jul 05, 2000 12:00AM
Dear MSR,
This is entirely normal behavior a five-year-old, so try not to take it it a personal way. If you do, it will feel like rejection, which it is not.
Just a couple of comments. Be sure that you are not left to be the only parent who disciplines your son. It's important that he experience his father as someone who sets limits with him, as well as providing fun and companionship. I would encourage you to rely on time out as a major method of discipline, and avoid spanking. It's really not necessary, and results in unintended side effects.
This is entirely normal behavior a five-year-old, so try not to take it it a personal way. If you do, it will feel like rejection, which it is not.
Just a couple of comments. Be sure that you are not left to be the only parent who disciplines your son. It's important that he experience his father as someone who sets limits with him, as well as providing fun and companionship. I would encourage you to rely on time out as a major method of discipline, and avoid spanking. It's really not necessary, and results in unintended side effects.
Member Comments (2)
by Barb, Jul 04, 2000 12:00AM
try having your husband do the disiplining.
