Normal 6 yr old boy behaviour?

[rymarmom]

I am concerned that my son has recently started telling my husband and I that he is "dumb & stupid" when he is asked not to do something (like bother his 3 yr old sister). He is also saying that he should be dead or wants to die. He usually says things like this when he is not allowed to do something (use the computer, watch tv) or when we make a request of him (eat your dinner, brush your teeth).

He is an extremely smart child, top of his SK class, very social and friendly with everyone he meets. He does not sleep enough (in my eyes at least, he's asleep by 8 pm, gets up at 5:45 am most days), and his appetite is not great. He is a picky eater, but can sometimes be convinced to try new foods.

When he becomes upset with us, he tells us he hates us, and that he is dumb and wants to be dead.

I don't know if this is just a normal stage a 6 yr old goes through.

[JamesJessie]

I have a seven year old that has said the same types of things when he was about 5. He is also extremely bright. He has stopped now that he is of the age to understand that death and dying really are. Children of high intelligence or who have high expectations of themselves can be hyper-critical of the smallest indication that they are not perfect. I believe when he says he hates you he is simply displaying embarrassment for pointing out things that he doesn't like about his behavior. He may also be jealous that the younger sibling doesn't "do anything wrong." In his perception, he may just be feeling inferior. A child this young feels strongly and sometimes uses the most extreme emotional response he/she can use to express themselves. It may be just this simple. Have some talks when your child is in a normal state of play and see if he can verbalize why he says these things. Good Luck!

[rilbrianne]

yikes, sounds more serious than a phase.  There is no reason a child would think like that unless he was very unhappy about something.  I personally believe you should check into it more, try to talk to him.  If nothing else, seek a professionals advice.  I don't think that is normal 6 yr old behavior.