Expert: Melinda Mantilla - 10/5/2006

Question
i am at my witts end....my 5 year old daughter is consistantly giving the teacher as well as I a hard time....She doesnt listen and follow directions very well...she screams and hollers...talks back...anything and everything you can think of...today I finally...took her tv and dvd/vcr player out of her room..i had been taking 5 movies out of her room for every offense..but this time...I am seriously fed up...I told her that this was going to happen if she got color changes again today...

My ? is do I do the right thing or did i go too far in the punishment? I am a  single parent..and I just want my child to be more respectful and do as told...is grounding her from tv appropiate for her age?

I feel like i am not doing something right..

Sincerely Kristy

Answer
Kristy,

Wow!! Well several things...a 5 year old does not need a TV/DVD/orVCR in her room at any rate. I know it seem so easy at night to have her go to sleep watching TV, or for whatever reason, but it is not a good idea! So I would remove it and keep it out all together.

Several points to look at, I wont go into detail on each one but mark them with stars and if need me, email me and I will be happy to clarify some for you...just read through my highlighted points...

*Are you spending quality time with her?

*Does the teacher have expectations that are way to high?

*Have you/Can you set in the class and observer for a day or 1/2 a day?

*Does your daughter need more attention from you? Do you all play games, do puzzles, read together? Do you have a mommy/daughter day?

*Are you dating anyone? Is this person in the home or around your daughter?

I think that is my list...ponder it over, and email me back with your thoughts and input...together we WILL get to the bottom of this, I promise!

Melinda