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Originally Posted by Rayne Selene
Toby has had some behavioral problems; he's had tantrums, mood swings, and he's even hit/kicked/ or bitten me in anger before, but there was never anything like yesterday. Never anything that I would consider being outside the realm of just a difficult child.
I do wonder if there are deeper psychological issues at play here with this child and whether he needs to be seen by a behavioral specialist and under the care of someone more trained than I. I have a psychology degree, but this is way out of my depth.
I'm worried about my ability to handle it as well; I was SO angry with him after yesterday, I worry that in the future, I won't be able to remain calm, and might end up spanking/slapping out of anger, which I have never done to any child. That anger scares me. You're all right, time to move on  |
Yes, this child needs to be seen by a behavioral specialist. I have worked in mental health myself for many years, with maladaptive children, and have studied clinical psychology. The child is very disturbed, to say the least, and needs professional evaluation and help before he hurts anyone else. If I were his mother, I would be getting him a professional ASAP after hearing about this last incident. I am surprised he is not being seen already, given that he punches his own mother and has the symptoms you've described.
For your own safety and personal well-being, it is definitely best to leave - as Jennifer said, who knows what else this child is capable of, and it could escalate to much worse next time. And as you say, who knows how you will react next time. It just seems like an impossible situation right now to deal with. Think of your safety first. I am glad to hear you saying "time to move on". ((((Hugs)))))