Drama Boy?

[Country Kids]

Does anyone have any drama boys in their groups? I have a friend who has a son and he IMHO goes way over the top on things. He's an older boy also, so it just seems odd to me.

When she tells me things he does I'm never sure how to react because sometimes I'm thinking-really!!!!! I don't want to insult but sometimes I just want to say something because its just over the top. I've never met a boy like this.

Just wondering if anyone has experience with them and how do you handle them.

[Play Care]

I have two brothers in my care that are such DRAMA MAMAS! If they get a scratch they behave as if they broke their leg. If another child looks at the 3 yo in a certain way he's in meltdown mode. The other day I gave him a gentle reminder about something and he lost his mind. They also cry, whine and tantrum over anything and everything...I've been documenting everything in hopes of seeing some type of pattern, etc. In the meantime I use the crying chair, praise out the wazoo for good behaviors, try to keep them busy (I find free play is too much for them) and give immediate no warning TO's for things like hitting others because you don't like they way they looked at you..
But it's exhausting!

[Play Care]

I keep hoping they both, but especially the oldest, will grow out of it soon. Because honestly, I can see where it cause issues.

[countrymom]

I think the problem is that parents are praising the kids. I run a no nonsense approach. I don't go and start clapping, I don't praise child--I don't go crazy, I'll say good job or you can do it, or that awesome. I just don't make a big deal out of it. I find that you sometimes have to just say "stop" and redirect.

[Willow]

The one boy I have right now in my group is exactly like that.

This is the same kiddo who has MAJOR issues at pick up and drop offs and hauls off on his mom regularly.....

He not only tends to be over the top dramatic but he seems to thrive on inciting it as well.

He will purposely stop right in front of other kids walking only to have them plow into him and then he'll sit there and wail claiming they hurt him.

He'll stand on the board of a game a couple of them are playing and then get angry when they both ask him to move and then push him to the side when he doesn't get off.

He'll snatch up a toy another child is about to pick up and when the child gets upset and calls for help starts bawling that everyone is so mean to him.

He'll roll right over onto another child playing on the floor but then get all stompy and defiant when the child starts to cry DEMANDING he didn't do it.

That kind of ridiculousness



I think it's 100% due to a lack of discipline and attention at home. As long as I am over the top strict with him, and give him very enthusiastic attention at appropriate times while completely ignoring his inappropriate outbursts it really has helped to curb the trouble we'd otherwise have throughout the day. In the beginning he was a complete nut, now he's actually pretty compliant as long as I stay on top of him anticipating those behaviors.


I'd ignore the ridiculous, reinforce the good, and try to eliminate any opportunities for him to perpetuate what sets him off for your own sanity

[Play Care]

I think the problem is that parents are praising the kids. I run a no nonsense approach. I don't go and start clapping, I don't praise child--I don't go crazy, I'll say good job or you can do it, or that awesome. I just don't make a big deal out of it. I find that you sometimes have to just say "stop" and redirect.

I do think this can happen, but I know in my case it's a lack of attention at home that brings it about. So they have learned to raise it up a notch in order to get some attention. I love their mom but she is clueless. For a while they were running out the door of my child care and getting into their car and playing in it while mom was trying to gather their things. I would look at mom and she would just shrug and give the "boys!" excuse
I find that when I praise them for doing well, they soak it up and try to keep going.

[LK5kids]

I think it can be from lack of attention at home or being allowed to be the CEO at home by being loud, throwing tantrums, kicking and screaming to get their own way....and it works. When parents let kids run the show it creates really unhappy, rude, unbearable children.

[MamaG]

I have a drama boy, MINE! He is 9 and honestly 6 toddlers 1-2-3 year olds are easier to handle then just him. But he has ADHD, odd, and separation anxiety. They wanted to monitor him for other possible problems but I declined. I homeschool him, don't medicate him. He's a handful!