I am about to go crazy

[camomof5]

Ok I have the following
DD 11
DD 8
DSS 8 Dear step son)
DS 6
DD 4 months

Here are my issues.

my 6 year old has ADHD. He just went back on track and is doing so well in school, not getting into any trouble. Well the other day he a DSS were playing and rough houseing infront of the school waiting for me ot get there. Well DS decided he had had enough and wanted to stop playing.

There were 3 older boys there and they told DSS to do something to DS. DSS took of DS glasses slapped him and then proceeded to start beating him. DS did not fight back (we have tried to teach all the children to not get involved in violence and to tell someone) Well he just kinda took it for a bit but then did finally push DSS off.

I am heartbroken that DSS would do this to his brother. Family is suppose to love and protect each other not hurt each other. DS has been have a heck of a time at school always being picked on and called names, he has had his glasses buried in the playground, dunked in the toilet.

Anyway we are at a loss of what to do with DSS. He use to be so loving, caring and a good kid (he is still a good kid) but what the heck is going on? What on earth should we do?

[dylan]

OH geez!
I am so sad to hear all that your ds is going through, not to mention some of it from his stepbrother! What a difficult situation!

I would recommend a good family counselor. It sounds like dss has some things he's trying to work through and is feeling like picking on his younger brother makes him feel in control and powerful and accepted by a few of his friends.

Sounds like he's struggling...and in a family its never just one person or thing in my experience...everybody has some stuff going on in some way, but if you can get some support for ds age 6, while also getting support for dss, and yourselves as parents you are off to a good start at finding resolution. I wouldn't leave it alone or minimize it however....to me, it's clear *something* is going on for him, or between them.

Good luck!

[Mama Dragon]

Counseling yes. Definitely and quickly. Maybe he's got a middle child situation going on, or maybe knowing he's your only step child and your 6 year old is the only one he can vent any frustration on.....I wouldn't have a clue as to what, but a good counselor should be able to find out.

ETA: it just occurred to me you have a 4 month old, did this start since the new baby? It's so common for difficult to understand behavior to develop when a new baby is in the home.

[camomof5]

Yes it started after the baby, they have all been a bit edgy since