My 5 Year old's behavior in kindergarten...

[ChristaB30]

My son is 5 years old and currently in kindergarten. Since Oct.08 my child has regularly received disciplinary referrals for his "hands on" behavior.  10/22/08-Bryce pushed another student on the ground during class. 10/30/08-Bryce was trying to cut his neighbors hair with his scissors.  11/14/08-Bryce, again, was attempting to cut his neighbors hair.  12/12/08-Bryce hit Hannah in the mouth during an argument over a truck outside.  1/09/09-Bryce wanted to put scissors away and another student wanted to help.  He became angry when the student wanted to do his job and pinched her in the arm.  2/24/09-Minor Referral-Hitting.  4/20/09-Recess Minor Referral-Gave a student in a different classroom a weggie-pulled up on her pants.  After I talked to him about where his hands are suppose to be-another reminder.  He then stuck his tongue out at the students in the other classroom.  Inappropriate behavior for getting told on about his hands.  4/29/09-Bryce became frustrated with a student who was trying to pack up alongside of him.  Both were trying to pack up in same area-some pushing against eachother.  He then turned and slapped her on the arm.  She was sent home with his hand print on her arm.  I am frustrated that now we are into may and he doesnt have the school routine down.  I have done everything i know to do for his hands on.  at home he is not like that everyday, he has some issue with it, but he is a boy and only 5 and sometimes he likes to wrestle around.  i give him reminders to play properly.  but at school during recess, gym and cafeteria he seems to not have any impulse control to his actions.  he is very attention getting at school and aggitating as well.  could this be a sign of something serious or just him being stubborn.  what kind of disciplinary action can i apply with him to make him understand that he needs to be respectful?  at home and at school.  As well as being respectful when he speaks to someone.  Thanks!!

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It's too early to know for sure how much of a problem this is. It may be that he issimply on the impulsice side for his age and, as he develops more impulse control, things will settle out just fine. Or, he may display an impulse control disorder that is beyond the normal spectrum And his impulsivity could be an aspect of a condition such as ADHD. Whatever the case ultimately proves to be, all you can do know is mamage the behavior. He should be placed in time out at the least sign of any physical aggression. The plan to follow is detailed in the book SOS Help for Parents (see www.sosprograms.com). If you adhere to the regimen described, you'll see improvement in your son's self control.

[ChristaB30]

Thanks so much for your help and comments.  I truly believe he is a very smart boy and really just a little too touchy feely, he knows how to behave appropriately when asked.  I will look into the site and see what other options they have for me to  try....Thanks so much for your help!

Christa