Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock
I’ve never had a knack for acting. The thought of stepping into the limelight makes me cringe, even though I have a deep appreciation for the talent displayed in films and television. But my 6-year-old son? He might just be destined for the stage. Not solely because he has a flair for make-believe (he does) or is mastering the art of storytelling (he’s getting there), but because he absolutely loves to perform!
Now, don’t get me wrong—this isn’t exactly a compliment. My son has turned into a full-blown drama king, and it’s driving me up the wall. Just this morning, he was in tears because I mistakenly handed him a pair of socks that belonged to his mother. They looked almost identical to his own, except for the pink accents. Pink is simply off-limits! Despite my efforts to raise him without the restrictive boundaries of gender stereotypes, right now he’s channeling the classic “Ew! Girls!” mentality.
What’s surprising, though, is his complete lack of shame. Well, that’s not entirely accurate. There are moments when he hesitates—like when he has to talk to strangers or when he’s invited to be an extra in a show filming nearby. But when it comes to throwing tantrums? He’s got no qualms about that. It’s not uncommon to witness him collapse in fits of rage in stores, restaurants, parks, and even on the sidewalk.
I’m not seeing much in the way of embarrassment here. And while I believe that navigating life without self-consciousness can be a powerful tool (though the counterargument might be Donald Trump), there are times I wish he’d realize how ridiculous he looks. These episodes need to taper off.
Part of the issue is that he often seems to be performing for an audience. It’s not merely a matter of discipline—he bumps his knee, and suddenly it’s a full-blown production. If he drops his mini muffins? Cue the dramatics. Almost trips? Here comes the show. I haven’t heard this much exaggerated crying since that Teen Wolf show was canceled, and I’ve never even seen it (I can only imagine the level of drama!).
The true challenge of parenting lies in distinguishing my expectations for my son’s behavior from the legitimate reasons behind it. Sure, he’s 6, and it’s easy to think that children his age should be past these outbursts. Trust me, I’ve muttered that under my breath a few times (often with some choice words!). But it’s important to remember we welcomed a baby into our family just nine months ago.
My son absolutely adores his baby brother; their age difference has given them a grace period where they’re not yet competing over toys or screen time. However, that gap isn’t so wide that he can completely detach from me and my wife. There’s some sibling rivalry bubbling beneath the surface, and he still craves our attention. With a new baby in the mix, it’s inevitable that he receives less of it than he’s accustomed to.
It’s easy to overlook the fact that a 6-year-old, even one who can somewhat look after himself (like playing independently in another room), is still just a child. After five years of being the center of our universe, he’s now sharing the spotlight. With all this change, a bit of behavioral turbulence is to be expected.
I just wish it were a little less dramatic, less public, and less frequent. We’re making progress, though, and I have faith that we’ll get there.
For more insights on parenting, check out this engaging post on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering at-home insemination, you can also find reliable kits at Make a Mom. And for those exploring pregnancy and infertility options, ACOG offers excellent resources.
In summary, raising a dramatic son can be both amusing and exhausting. While I strive to support his emotional expressions, finding a balance between understanding his needs and maintaining some level of decorum is essential.