Tell me about 4 year old boys...

[UK Mom]

...because mine seems to have cmpletely changed! He was a lovely little boy who liked reading, drawing, playing games, doing puzzles, running around. Now it is all about shooting people, jumping all over the place, pee and poo jokes and being bossy. I know that boys get a surge of testosterone around 4, and this may explain it, but it still isn't very nice.

Is this normal? And if so, will I ever get my nice little boy back? I miss him.

[Hayes]

THANK GOD! IT's testoterone? Our little boy, who has been a sweet, loving, mama's boy for 4 years, went absolutely nucking FUTZ last week. Not listening, being wild, antagonizing siblings, being generally obnoxious!

He seems to be over the worst part, but is still pushing his limits!

[mahogny]

YES YES YES YES YES on all counts!!!

My son is 4 3/4 and has completely changed this year! It's all shooting and farting and burping and acting crazy! :

I didn't know that boys got a surge of testosterone at age 4! Where did you read this? I'd like to know more!

[UK Mom]

About the testosterone, I read it in Steven Biddulph's book 'Raising Boys'. I highly recommend it.

Thank you mamas for replying - I am glad to know that I am not the only one!!!!

[familylove]

: : : :

I am SO there with you!! What has happened to my peace-lovin' little boy? Where did this demanding, yeller come from? Why is it so cool to tell Mommy, "No", in the most defiant voice he can muster? Why is he constantly pushing my buttons????

If this is the effect of testerone...give me strength! I guess its time for me to pull out my copy of "Raising Cane" and actually read it!

I commiserate with you,mama! Here's hoping we can stay one step ahead of them

[Dakota's Mom]

Yes ot all of the above. Plus whining. Whining all the time. And he just turned 4 a week ago. It happened overnight it seems. I don't know if I can take a year of this. Does it get better? It's been over 20 years since I had a four year old. I don't remember.

Kathi

[Roar]

Four year olds BOTH boys and girls tend to be MORE. Louder, busier, faster, stronger, sillier. It can drive you nuts or you can embrace it...or both! I'd suggest the book Your Four Year Old by Ames and Ilg.

[mommy68]

Originally Posted by UK Mom

I know that boys get a surge of testosterone around 4

I've seriously never heard of that before.

My son is going on 11 yrs old and I remember him going through a "terrible 5's" and that was the worst he ever was. It was a phase. I'm sure that's all it is with your child. I think all kids go through a time where they try and test their limits around that age. Just wait til he is older.

[kiminsac]

.

[flapjack]

Sorry ladies, it gets worse. Nearly 6 is the worst it's ever been for us.

[Zach'smom]

Originally Posted by UK Mom

...because mine seems to have cmpletely changed! He was a lovely little boy who liked reading, drawing, playing games, doing puzzles, running around. Now it is all about shooting people, jumping all over the place, pee and poo jokes and being bossy. I know that boys get a surge of testosterone around 4, and this may explain it, but it still isn't very nice.

Is this normal? And if so, will I ever get my nice little boy back? I miss him.

You just described my 4y/o ds!!!

[arimama]

OMG My ds will be four in a month and he's crazy. We went through a really nice two months or so and i though, "thank god the horrific three's are coming to an end" and wham here come this screaming, shooting, sassy talking, sister attacking ,poop and pee joking(24- 7) dude!

Do children ever just mellow out and become people you actually want to live with?

[Qerratsmom]

I started sobbing with relief after reading this thread. Thank-GOD I"m not alone. Ds is 4 and I thought I had done some seriously bad parenting somewhere along the line but maybe he is just being a 4 year old boy. It doesn't make it easier but now atleast I can stop being so depressed and taking it out on myself.

[Humboldtmama]

My youngest son is 4 years and 4 months, and is still the same sweety pie he allways has been... I am dreading what you all are talking about... yikes.: