Looking for help....

[Amity]

Okay, after a horrid few weeks (XH hit DS2 (aged 2) causing bruising, DOCS and police involved, now in the Family Court) I have to ask for ideas for DS1 (5YO) anger management issues.

I have an appointment with a child psych next Thursday (29th) but still need to deal with him for the next week.

He can be lovely (99.9% of the time) but can get very angry, especially with DS2. I usually give him three chances to "be good", ie stop throwing your toys, (three times), and then time out.

I have tried time out, 5 mins, he takes off his shoes and throws them places, he stamps, screams, cries, and carries on. I have tried ignoring him, but he gets louder/worse. I have tried adding an extra minute on to the timer on the microwave, but this doesn't work either.

I have finally tried taking his toys away, one at a time. First "offence" he gets it taken away for 5 mins, the second time, he doesnt get it back for the rest of the day.

However I often then have to use time out because of his behaviour after the toys are taken away. He kicked me this morning when he was in time out! I added an extra minute onto the time out and took ALL his lego away for the rest of the day.

Mind you, I do know this is associated with seeing his father - when he doesn't see his Dad he doesn't wet the bed, have nightmares, or get angry. However his Dad is his Dad and he does need to see him and have a relationship with him. Stopping his Dad from seeing him is not an option, however he does only have supervised time at the moment.

I know he is modelling his Dad's behaviour because I have seen his Dad's behaviour first hand. I just don't know what else to try.

I'm looking for ideas, help or suggestions for the next week or so until I can get him to the psych.

Thanks in advance.