anxiety or stress

[willie94]

We are in the military.  My husband deployed two years ago.  Before he left, my then, k/1st grade son started hitting his classmates and saying bad words and completely disconnect himself from class.  I was forced to get him evaluated but nothing came of it.

Now, my husand is leaving again, this time for one year.  He's displaying the same pattern.  We have him involved  with a counseling program, but two days into school and he's already physically hurt two kids.  My son is a good kid, but is very reactive and doesn't think before he reacts.  

Despite my constant nurturing and counseling, he keeps getting worst and worst.  I feel so helpless but do not want to give up.  Please, advise.

[jdtm]

I really do not have any advice as I have not been in your very difficult situation.  I do  have some knowledge about anxiety though.  Whether your son is suffering from anxiety or stress is irrelevant - I think you are asking if your son suffers from an anxiety disorder and I doubt that very much.  But yes, I suspect he is suffering from anxiety/stress from the impending change.  It's too early to know if the counseling program is working; if not, perhaps the school or your son's pediatrician could offer a suggestion to better help this child .  Perhaps others on this board might be better able to help.  I feel for you and wish you the best ...

[margypops]

It seems as if it is the same pattern of behavior your son displayed the first time his Dad left, he is probably concerned for his Dads Safety as I am sure he has overheard some scary things,is there anyone around your son uses bad words and does he see perhaps on TV and Video's any violent behavior he could be emulating?very often it is a learned behavior.,Perhaps you have to get tough on him and set firm bounderies, if he acts out he should have repercussions and do without a favorite Game or TV or the PC games,the school shoul;d have bounderies for him aswell, Talk to him and tell him you will not permit it anymore and tell him what you will be taking away as reprisals, give him the choivce, and be consistant and mean what you say.  Make sure he has a lot of Physical  activities of the positive kind , sports ,Ball games and Cycling, running and Fun.