Don't be fooled by those mesmerising eyes or that cute button nose. He can be pure evil sometimes. Well, not really. He just has a hard time handling his emotions for a 6 year old. I've been reading a lot about it and it can be quite common with 5 to 6 year old boys (and girls for that matter). They have a hard time recognising their emotions and feelings and act up like they're having a 2 year old tantrum. It can become very tiring, especially on my own.
I try everything. Catching him before it escalates, time out, rewards, deep breathing, a kind approach, distraction. You name it. One morning last week culminated in being dragged to school, this time in his clothes. (There was a time recently he was dragged in his pyjamas.) It is so, so draining. The next morning he went off to school fine and I decided to reward him (and his sister, for different reasons) with an 'awesome' award (and cake).
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I decided to also whip up a quick batch of small cupcakes but didn't want to use the small amount of butter I had left so tried it with coconut oil instead. The cakes turned out beautifully with a delicate, light crumb and the faintest taste of coconut. I made the cakes in heart shaped moulds and topped with vanilla buttercream sprinkled with jelly crystals.
I haven't had too much trouble since. He is definitely getting better and able to calm down if he gets upset or can't get his own way. I don't want him to suppress his anger or not let me know he's angry. He's just got to keep it under control. I think both of my kids are pretty awesome most of the time. Sometimes I think I just need to remind them.
Now to work on his sister, the drama queen!
Plain Cupcakes (made with coconut oil)
- 60g coconut oil (or butter or margarine)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup self raising flour
- Vanilla
- 1/4 cup milk
- Mix oil and sugar together.
- Add egg and vanilla and beat well.
- Add flour and milk and mix lightly until incorporated.
- Spoon mixture into cake moulds or cupcake papers.
- Bake in a 170 deg C oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden.
- Top with your favourite icing and sprinkles.
Kids can really test ones sanity! My son, Dimitri used to be a real little terror... and now he has one of the smallest hearts imaginable (He is 20 now). My daughter, Cheri is 19, but she has always been a happy-go-lucky child, even now - not a worry in the world, where-as Dimitri puts the world's worries on his shoulders!
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely post Anne. Motherhood sure can be tough at times. Your feelings are heartfelt here.
ReplyDeleteThat cake looks amazing too.
Carolyn
Oh Anne I feel your pain! Bubba boy (4) and Missy (8) are very good at expressing their emotions in 2yr old tantrums. I am working on rewarding the good and focusing on the positive in the hope of encouraging better behaviour, an awards ceremony sounds wonderful and the cakes a bonus!
ReplyDeleteStacey-Lee :D
What a delicious reward and gorgeous certificate!... All the best with working through the tantrum days. My boys are 1 and 2, might need to use your cupcake recipe for future behaviour modification endeavours x
ReplyDeletei love how versatile coconut oil is... I've only recently discovered it and feel like i have been living under a rock!!
ReplyDelete#teamIBOT
What a wonderful post! Parenting is NOT for sissies! Thank you for recipe, too. I love the way coconut oil smells! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
ReplyDeleteI found between 5-6 one of the hardest ages for my kids to be honest. They seemed to be suddenly very self involved and emotional. Then they get a little better until they get really self involved and emotional!
ReplyDeleteHope things are a bit better for you from now on.
Great idea! I am always wondering how to discipline my kids. Sometimes rewards are the BEST way to get good behavior!
ReplyDelete6 is a difficult age, they start pushing the boundaries dont they. Our Granddaughter is 6 and seems to be calming a little now, although my Boys went through it when they were about 7. I use the 'kill with kindness' approach, it has always worked for me xxx
ReplyDeleteYour kids are beautiful. I think rewarding good behavior is as important as disciplining bad behavior. I also LOVE using coconut oil. Glad it worked out well in your cupcakes!
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