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What am I doing Wrong?
My husband and I have custody of our 6 year old grandson. Recently, after his mom came back in the picture, he has started whining and crying to the point that we are not sure which way to turn. He does not cry and whine as much with my husband. He was with my husband all day today and they had a great day. As soon as I came in, the crying and whining started. I don't coddle him and give in to his crying and whining, just the opposite. I ignore him when he starts crying and whining. I'm about to pull my hair out. Every day starts off with him waking up in a bad mood, whining about everything and generally not happy. We take him to weekly therapy and this has been brought up. Hopefully, the therapist can work it out with him, but in the meantime....how do we make this child happier and more productive.
Best Answer
Frankly, I don't think you or your husband are doing anything wrong. As Margpops said - I suspect having the child's mother back in the picture is disturbing and confusing to your grandson. Often children misbehave or "act up" with those they feel the most comfortable; so the whining and crying may be your grandson's outlet for his saddness with those he feels the most safe. Maybe it might be wise to let him "whine and cry" for a while in the morning, agree with him and sympathize with him and then, try to move the day into a happier phase. It has got to be very difficult raising a child when one expects to have some freedom after decades of child-rearing. I feel for you ....
Could he be missing his mom how often does he see her ? Maybe a bit of 'coddling' may in fact help him, distraction, games and fun , does he get to play some sports , ball games .Too much igoring may have the opposite affect,focus on his positive side and praise him when you see him doing something right.Does he see his Dad at all ?
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