there is a book that I just started reading it's called transforming your child. Have you tried an reward system? Tell him exactly what you expect from him like going to bed in his own bed at his bed time, in turn when he does what is expected he can receive a computer time or something that is important to him. I would also take something away until he listens to you.

I was thinking the same thing Tink22--have you tried an incentive chart or reward program--it has worked for my son. One of the biggest things I was doing wrong was taking away the incentive or reward after he earned it for bad behavior, so I started a seperate incentive/consequence program with jars and tokens as an added incentive. Each token is worth 50 cents--whatever is earned at the end of the month goes towards his monthly reward. So for my son it's going to see a movie he wants to see--the extra money will buy his popcorn or play some games before or after the movie. I know a family that does incentives by having time with mom or dad individually--that works for them. There are many different ideas to offer incentives without it costing a fortune.
Since we started the program--going to bed has been a success. He may not fall asleep right away--but we are consistant with maintaining the same bed time and earning his sticker to go towards his goal. We are still having difficulties with cleaning his room but, he's getting better. I can't blame him too much for that one because I know I hated cleaning my room when I was young as well. But when my mother said to clean it--I cleaned it, I did not have an explosion like he does.

I saw this on Nanny 911 once, I am having the same issues with my 4 year old...

go upstairs and sit beside the bed, say nothing and continue to put them back in bed, they will stop fighting and lay down at some point... then slowly, VERY SLOWLY make your way towards the door until you are out... i have done it a few times, now my problem isnt going to bed, but staying there through out the night... GOOD LUCK!

That is what I am doing with my son everyday he has to earn free time, and now we are talking about goals he is setting for himself. Another thing I am doing is when he does do something that he isn't suppose to is, ask him what he could do differently next time. This gets him thinking about better solutions.

Some how we have regressed on going to bed nicely. He was doing so well, and then bam--it's back to telling him 15x or more to get ready for bed. We also noticed all of a sudden he is coming home with "yellow" marks in his journal--teachers comments are--He would not sit and listen, or he was told to keep quiet. This is the first he's shown any behavioral issues at school. Any suggestions? We still have not gotten the school to do an evaluation, I have signed off on them to do it, now they have 30 days to comply. Which is a crock because they should have done one a long time ago, instead of making us jump through hoops figuring out how all this works. 3 people that I know here in NY have stated that they only way they learned how the process works is from -friends or relatives that have PHD's in education. This is how I learned what to do as well. How is a typical parent who has nver been through the process going to know that--why aren't schools putting in the packets when they enter school a procedure on how to evaulate your child for LD's or BD's?--Is that asking too much?--I often wonder what our school taxes go towards--seems like not a dime goes to common sense things. Sorry I'm venting!!!

Sadly Sowle, the schools DON'T want parents to know how the system works because they can't keep up with the present demands nor do they have the human resources to deal with what the needs are presently, let alone what it would escalate to if more parents were aware of the process involved to accessing services.

With regards to the new behavioural issues at school, have you asked your son or the school what changes may have recently occurred? Perhaps a new area of study is proving difficult or maybe bullying is occurring somewhere? Maybe a new student has started and an adjustment period is happening for your son? Have there been any staff changes or an influx of supplies lately? Sudden changes, for my son, often mean something of that nature, and is rarely unrelated and out of the blue. I wish you luck in trying to figure out what is changing. Sorry to post this so late. I haven't been on the boards in a while.

AsEllz, how goes the bedtime routine? Have you asked your son what he needs at bedtime? I know he's young, but if he's always felt he needs your presence to go to bed, is he afraid to be left alone? Just a thought.

pamalala--I could question my son about school all day long and he will not breath aword about his day, or the work he's done, etc. I have to wait until the teacher contacts me or I contact her. I have asked if there has been some changes, and nothing has changed academically, he is with a new friend, even though the teacher likes the idea that my son is now friends with him, it may be to distracting for him. We are not sure though. The teacher is going to keep an eye on him to see what happens. Sunday was his first full day of being gluten free--It was amazing--he was a totally different child. Now it may have just been a "good" day, but I will take it. Just the day before for his birthday--which was full of gluten--at a boweling/arcade/ballocity, etc place--he was his usual horrible self. So Sunday was a welcomed blessing when he earned 4 good boy tokens--which is a small miracle for him. I just hope he can stay on that path, without "returning" to the "darkside."

Any tips on how to change to a gluten-free diet. I have a picky 13 year old eater that is set in his ways and am not sure how successful I would be at incorporating new foods. Any suggestions you can offer would be most appreciated. Also Sowle, I'd love to hear if you keep noticing a positive change in your child's behaviour. How exciting for you!

I have tried incentive charts and other various means. My Boys just have sleep issues. After many months of deliberation I tried Melatonin (comes in 1 mg chewable tablet) and it has been our miracle worker. The boys could not settle themselves down. They tried and they tried and they would wait in their bed until 11:30 waiting for sleep to come. I have insomnia and know that sometimes it's not about the routine it is the chemistry. They also listen to audiobooks as they go to sleep. I think this helps them to not worry about thought intruding (good or bad) that would start the wake cycle all over again. Good Luck! My husband works late as well and that is when I finally tried the melatonin.

based on what your picky eater eats--if it's pasta they like then yes--you can switch to corn pasta which is very much like wheat--in all aspects--taste, texture, cooking etc. My son loves the corn pasta's. Sams Mills is available at Ocean State Job lots, Hannaford, etc etc. Is fairly inexpensive which is nice since it's a GF product. You can convert pretty much any recipe to GF--it takes practice though. Eating out will be your biggest challenge unless you have rest. that are "truly" Gluten Free. I mean Truly because most are at risk of cross contamination. Now if you want to go totally "grain free" there are Sea Vegetable noodles you can try.--However, most kids unless they are accustomed to eating those are not fond of them.

I have to agree about the melatonin. It has been a lifesaver in our home

I have to agree about the melatonin. It has been a lifesaver in our home