Since the 1st day of Advent, why has my 7 yr old grown horns and pointy tail???

[Jacko774]

Since the day he opened door no. 1 on his advent calendar, my 7 year old has developed the inability to listen, obey reasonable requests, has developed 'teenage' strops and a dislike to his younger brother, 4.

Does anyone else find that, just possibly, the excitement of Xmas and countless rehersals for the school nativity are having a negative effect on their childs behaviour? Or is it just me? Please let me know.

Im a dad. I have given up shouting as it does not work. We have the obligatory 'chats'. Not sinking in. Any advice?

[Bramshott]

Is it a chocolate advent calendar?

[Jacko774]

Yes!!

[Bramshott]

Could be your answer then! Especially if he has the chocolate first thing it could well be playing havoc with his blood sugar levels (on top of all the other things you mention - excitement of Christmas, tiredness etc). Not sure what the answer is though - you can't really take it away now he's got it, can you. Could he maybe have his breakfast first?

[Jacko774]

Its a good point, but he has his chocolate when he gets home from school. Never really considdered that could be causing it though. I wondered if it could be the stress of the school rehersals (every day apparently) and general excitement?

[mistlethrush]

I'm allergic to chocolate - and when I was little and accidentally had some it turned me into a monster - completely different child. Lets hope it isn't... but it could be the chocolate and a bad reaction to it.

[FlouryWhiteBaps]

Unless your dc has previously shown signs of an allergy to chocolate then I think it's unlikely to be down to one 2cm piece from an advent calendar. It more likely to be due to tiredness and,as you say, the general excitement and activity at school at this time.

[Jacko774]

He loves chocolate and eats plenty of it to be honest!!! Thanks for your posts though. So when he kicks off, try to ignore it? Give his a good telling off? Or do you think I should ride it out and see if things improve once all the school festivities are over?

[FlouryWhiteBaps]

Ride it out - we're in the same boat. Hoping that the h

[FlouryWhiteBaps]

Ride it out - we're in the same boat. Hoping that the holidays help.

[IWillOnlyEatBeans]

It's fast approaching the end of term - he's likely to be shattered! And over-excited! Surely a bad combination for anyone :)

Does he still belive in Santa? My friend told her son that the house alarm sensors were Santa's magic cameras so he could monitor behaviour...worked a treat! I think her son was a bit younger though...