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challenges with my 4 year old

I have been having a hard time trying to figure out how to deal with my 4 year old's attention-seeking issues. He can be quite difficult at times, and it seems like it is just in order to get someone's attention. I try to praise him and give him good attention as much as I can, but he certainly ends up with a lot of time outs and disciplining from me on a daily basis, just about. I have 2 other children as well, so my attention is split up 3 ways. He often acts as though he gets no attention, and is very deprived, but I can assure you, that is certainly not the case, although sometimes I feel so bad that I do wonder whether or not I am doing an adequate job at meeting each of my 3 kids' needs for attention. My son is a healthy, intelligent , fun boy who has lots of great qualities. I am just overwhelmed with this particular issue and am wondering if other moms have any advice or encouragement.

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Permalink Reply by SAHMinIL on June 23, 2009 at 12:23pm

Do you have examples of some of the issues you are discipline him on? I believe that kids need discipline, but I also believe in not sweating the small stuff. In other words I pick my battles.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Eckenrode Kopinski on June 24, 2009 at 8:22am

You are right about picking the battles. I believe in this and aim to "not sweat the small stuff", but admit that I am not great at that. Actually, just reading that part kind of helped me to "reset" and remember how important that piece of advice is. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by SAHMinIL on June 24, 2009 at 8:30am

You're welcome :)

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Permalink Reply by Ann on June 27, 2009 at 10:44am

That can be a rough age. Not sure what your educational philosophy is, but maybe a few mornings at a preschool would be good for him?

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Eckenrode Kopinski on June 28, 2009 at 9:40pm

Yeah, I have found some things about age 4 to be difficult, but I also have found it to be really fun too! I am planning on homeschooling this fall. That probably addresses my educational philosophy! I am looking forward to it, and in the mean time, plan on keeping the kids and I busy with fun summer activities. I have found that if I keep a fairly active and interesting schedule for my kids, they (especially my 4 year old) seem to do really well, with very few conflicts throughout the day. The main challenge for me is keeping up with them, and still being able to stay sane by the end of the week! But I have found that if I try to take breaks whenever I can ( when my husband comes home at a good hour, when my mom can help out with the kids, or when my kids go to their cousins' or friends' house to play), things don't seem quite as daunting.