5 Yr old will not listen

[sryan4964]

My 5 year old son is having difficulty at home and at school listening and following directions.  He is very smart and has tested in the 97%+ for his age group when we had him tested for a private Kindergarden program.  He reads exceptionally well and is very good in math and problem solving.  The basic issue is that he is constantly getting into trouble at home and at school for not following directions.  We have to tell him at least 5 times to get dressed in the morning before school.  When at school, his teacher says that it takes him 20 minutes to unpack his backpack and get settled into the class.  He has trouble focusing on the task at hand especially when writing in his journal, doing arts and crafts and even doing some of the math work.
He has been breaking down crying a lot lately too.  
We have restricted TV, computers, video games, sugar, junk food and taken him off his allergy medicines in hopes that would help.  All to no avail.  We have tried to encourage good behavior with incentives, but they only seem to work for a few days.
We are at our wits end and don't know what is going on with him.

[LaChryle]

I guess we  have to just reamin hopeful I'm going through same if not more with my 6 yr old who is also very intelligent!  He has recently been caught stealing is always not telling the truth for fear of getting in trouble or to impress others and he has started throwing tempur tantrums which was un heard of !  I don't know maybe someone could guide us in the right path meanwhile you're onmy prayer list!  everyone keeps stressing staying consistent in what ever method you choose and offerring positive attention for positive behavior- so the child knows they are love!  I am trying those and I know it might take up to a year or longer for full recovery- but something eventually has to give

-Lachryle

[sennsm]

That sounds exactly like my 5 yo. We are extremely frustrated and have tried rewards, spanking and telling him everyday to be good and listen at school. we are going to have him screened for ADHD. have you tried that? Our son has noted been crying, but he does react immatture to some situations. We dont know what to do.