a question about my 7yr old and his anger management
by Heather S.
(Tx,)
I am a single mom, raising a 7 year old son and a 6 year old daughter, on my own. Dad is a "good time dad" ever other weekend, but that's about it. I take them to church on a regular basis, I'm trying hard to raise them in a Christian home with me. It seems their dad is working overtime to undo everything he can possibly do in just the 4 days a month he has them, this is just really with my son. My daughter doesn't even like going and wouldn't if she didn't have to go. Over the last couple of months my son has come home after being at dad's house with new "ugly" words and bad attitude. He acts almost hostile with myself and my parents for about a week after coming from his house, and then the attitude still continues, just not as aggressive. He hollars at us to get what he wants, he has hit me and my dad, he gets angry hitting, kicking, and throwing things. This is a child that is normally a very sweet and loving child. He has a very sweet spirit, is extremely close to me, not wanting to be away from me or out of sight when we are home, and if I leave he wants to be with me. We have been separated since I was pregnant with my daughter, so the children do not know us ever being together. We had a very mentally and physically abusive relationship in the end. This man is remarried and has a 13 yr old son from a marriage prior to ours, and I'm certain my children continue to see their dad's anger continue with his new wife and with his other child. He is very loud and narcicistic. Very hateful and angry still at me and my family. I just need to know where to turn for help. Just some support from another parent would help. I know he needs anger management. But what causes this for someone so young and so sweet. It breaks my heart. I can never talk to his dad about this because it would be my fault. I'm just exhausted, hurt and worried to death about him. One grateful thing is that he has almost perfect behavior at school, so his anger seems to be directed at me. And I'm a 4th grade teacher at the school he attends. Any advice is appreciated. I've heard of the book written by Dobson, can't remember the name right now, but has anyone read that one, and is it a good one?? Has it really helped anyone?? Thank you for reading.
