[mommyt477]

I have a 7 year old boy that has a lot of problems. He just thinks that he can do what he wants, say what he wants, and hurt whom ever and doesn't care because he does it every day. He hurts people in school and won't do his work. He does what every he can to get out of school. I have tried counseling and trying to listen on what his needs are but he is only in 2 grade and he has been suspened over 60 times because of his behavior.

He has been in a school for misbehavior and he loved it. I was thinking about boot camp for him. I have 2 other kids that are starting to act just like him and I'm trying to stop it now before it gets worse.

[talaniman]

Has he been diagnosed for specific behavioral or mental issues? Have his counselors suggested what his needs are? Before a boot camp, an in depth psychological evaluation is needed.

[smoothy]

I'm with Talaniman on this... when a kid is that far out of control... there are usually other issues behind it.

[Wondergirl]

As a counselor, I'm also with Tal on this. In fact, the entire nuclear family should spend a few sessions with a family therapist to look into parenting and family relationships/interactions.

One of my client families came in, worried about the young son and that he was out of control. The boy spent most of the session in the center of the room pretending he was a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and doing karate kicks, while the two middle school daughters whispered loudly and giggled together. The parents did nothing and mostly said nothing. I felt like I was at a circus. There were a lot more out-of-control people than the son.

As for your son, it sounds like he is on a merry-go-round of misbehavior and punishments. The merry-go-round has to stop. Boot camp won't work as the next ride to go on.

[Jake2008]

I feel very sorry that your only solution now is boot camp. For a 7 year old.

Many things have gone wrong, that have resulted in him being out of control. Poor parenting, no discipline, lack of love, whatever it is- something major is going on with this child, and it is YOUR job to figure it out.

That means seeing a specialist who can diagnose and treat the child, and teach you how to parent. Specialist evaluations do nothing if the parent(s) lack the will or skill to follow through, and work hard.

Suspended 60 times in two years?? And again, you're thinking boot camp? Just pass the kid off and hope somebody can straighten him out?

Tough if you are overwhelmed, fed up, tired, and desperate. Too bad you have to cope with this kid that you think (by your own words) doesn't care what he does or what kind of trouble he gets into. He has gone YEARS without his needs being addressed, and now it is reaching the breaking point.

Is there a father/husband in the picture? What has he done, how has he tried to help, what is going on there.

It is a damn shame that you have given up on this child, and to me, there is NO excuse why you aren't knocking down doors to get him the help he needs.

Get the boot camp out of your head, step up, and do what's best for this child of yours. If you think his behavior is bad now, wait a few more unchecked years, and see where doing nothing will take you.

And sadly, him.

[Fr_Chuck]

First there are no boot camps for 7 year olds that I have ever heard of. Next while I was for boot camps for teens personally, I studied them over this summer and read all the studies on them. Over all, boot camps have no effect or may even make the child worst within a year of attending. Few (although some) get any positive results from boot camps.

I do agree, first you need to make sure there is no medical issues or reasons.
Next you need to take control and punish bad behavior yourself.