Normal Behavior ?

I have a few questions regarding my 6 year old
son's behavior.  He is extremely moody and
sometimes violent with his younger siblings
and our dog.  He intentionally destroys
things, whether he's upset or not. He talks
back constantly and says the most hateful
things to anyone.  My husband and I have tried
everything (so it seems) to get him to calm
down and just be nice.  Is this something
he'll outgrow ?  He was the sweetest and most
loving child until about a year ago and he's
just been getting worse.  I am a stay at home
mom so he isn't with strangers..ever.  I
moniter what he watches on TV and his father
and I don't even argue in front of our
children. I am new to my area so I just don't
know where to turn.  Everyone tells
me  "He's just being a boy and he'll outgrow it"  is this the case ?  If you have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Mindy,

I wouldn't trust that your son will "outgow" his current condition, though he might. It's really not the norm for a six-year-old to undergo the type of transformation you're describing.


Did he start this behavior as he entered kindergarten? Can you discern any other association that might be helpful in determining what's going on? Did his behavior start when you relocated? Is there any family history of depression or other type of mood disorder?

If you've already located a pediatrician in your new area, ask about a resource for a clinical evaluation. You can also check in your local phone book for a child guidance clinic or family service clinic. At such places, a clinician can help you figure out what might be contributing to this change you've witnessed in your son.