Hi, I am really worried about my son, he will be 7 in November and seems depressed. If anyone is familiar with my username you may be aware that I have been having marriage difficulties, to put it mildly, see Health Marriage Mental Abuse.

Anyway I suppose to some it maybe obvious why my son is low and seems sad all the time when Mummy and Daddy don't like each other anymore, but this thread is a cry for help and tips on how to chirp him up, he has been telling lies recently,mostly exaggerating things that have happened, he keeps saying I love his 2 year old brother more than him etc, it breaks my heart. Anyway until I find the strength to leave his Dad, can anyone suggest ways to help Thomas cheer up, I give him loads of kisses and cuddles but that doesn't seem to be enough, took him out after school yesterday and bought him a couple of small things for his paddling pool, but this morning he is crying and saying can I take them back he has nothing to play with in the house. I just can't win, please help.

Lots of Love xxx

aw bless him sounds to me like you are doing everything right i had a similar problem with my little girl when her sister was born she's 6 now i just took the time to spend just me and her doing things i knew that she enjoyed.
She soon snapped out of it but now when she has a bad day i just let her know that i am there for her and leave her to it!!
Might sound harsh but it works. If he thinks he is getting alot of your attention by acting this way he may be playing on it a little thats just kids
good luck

Hello!

I am very new to the forum and I am aware that your message was posted a long time ago. However, I hope your son is getting along better...It seems from your email that he is crying out for your attention. Children are very perceptive, he must be instinctively aware of what you are going through, but cannot express it in adult terms..so he gets himself frustrated by acting up.

I have found a wonderful website that is designed to help chidren in their develpment stages. Building self esteem. healthy habits, etc.. 

 

I hope this message finds you well and stronger

x

I feel for you i really do yes of course your child needs your attention. im a mother of three boys and another on the way.I myself was on the receiving end of physical and mental abuse by my father i do not think for one minute that your child is playing up for attention. it took me years to get over the way i was treated you need to address the problem in your relationship when you find the strengh to do so then you need to address your childs problem you need to reassure him that you love him just the same as your other child find some time in the day for you and him to spend quality time together i know its hard when you have problems and a house to run but try to find some time to sit down and talk and find out what he is thinking he mite not say anything but just keep trying with him kids pick up on everything keep trying. i hope i have been some help to you.

I am hoping your sons get on better and that you have had the  strength and courage to fix or end your marriage.  If thse problems have not been resolved however it may be that a 2 yr old is into everything and u may be running around after him even though it is to keep him safe your elder son may not see it like this.

Maybe trying something like Oh what is your brother doing shall we go and see so he doesnt get hurt. Then if he is being naughty, say Oh Thomas I am sooo proud of you for being good, your brother needs to copy you more.   This saying in his mind u like him more but to everybody else says u r bringing the elder brother to help his younger brother giving his praise and he will most certainly be better behaved.

GOOD LUCK X