I’ve never had the inclination to pursue acting myself; I tend to be too self-aware for that. While I enjoy watching films and shows, stepping into the spotlight is not something I would ever consider. That said, my 6-year-old son, Ethan, might just be destined for a career in performance. It’s not merely that he has a knack for pretending (he does) or that he’s honing his storytelling skills (he’s getting there); it’s that he absolutely revels in putting on a show!
Now, before I dive deeper, let me clarify: I’m not using this term as a compliment. My son has fully embraced his role as a little drama king, and, frankly, it’s exhausting. For instance, just this morning, he threw a fit over receiving a pair of socks that were pink and belonged to me. Despite my efforts to raise him without unnecessary gender norms, his current attitude toward anything perceived as “girly” is strong.
Shame? Well, that’s a different story. There are definitely things that make him shy, like conversing with strangers or being the center of attention in public. He even turned down an opportunity to be an extra in a David Simon HBO show filming near our home last fall! But when it comes to throwing tantrums? No shame whatsoever.
I haven’t heard this much theatrical wailing since I learned about the cancellation of a certain popular teen drama. It seems that any minor mishap—bumping his knee, dropping a snack, or nearly tripping—calls for a full-blown performance. My challenge as a parent is to balance my expectations of how a 6-year-old should behave with understanding the reasons behind these outbursts.
True, he’s 6 and ideally should be past this phase, but his world has shifted considerably since we welcomed a baby nine months ago. Ethan adores his baby brother, and thankfully, their age gap means they aren’t constantly competing for toys or attention (yet!). However, with a new sibling in the mix, he’s inevitably getting less attention than before, and that can lead to some behavioral fluctuations.
It is crucial to remember that while he may seem somewhat independent—able to play on his own in another room—he’s still very much a child in need of our guidance and support. The transition from being the sole focus of our attention to sharing that spotlight has been a challenge for him, and perhaps a little bit of his dramatics can be attributed to this upheaval.
I just wish the theatrics were a bit less explosive and occurred less often. We’re making progress, though, and every day is a new opportunity for growth.
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In summary, my son’s dramatic flair can be both amusing and challenging. As we navigate this stage of his development, I’m learning to appreciate his expressive nature while also helping him manage his emotions more effectively.