He pulls apart his socks. Yes you read that right... he gets a string free on his socks and pulls them apart string by string. He basically can wear socks only one time. This has been going on with him since he was about 4 years old. He says he knows what he is doing is wrong but he continues to do it. I've taken away his privileges, such as TV, video games, computer access... I've even had him buy socks with his own savings... (the kid loves his money). I have tried positive reinforcement by using star charts ect. At one point I wouldn't allow him to wear socks for awhile but as soon as he had them back again he started all over! He has even begun to get into trouble at school because he isn't paying attention to the teacher. I'm at a complete loss and I'm looking for some suggestions... someone please help!
2006-12-12 12:07:36 · 28 answers · asked by DAYZII 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Ok.. I guess I need to clarify just a bit. I've tried all different kinds of socks... long, short, dress socks, even soccer socks... lol. He does this for the most part in school or if we are in the car for a long period of time. In school it seems to be only while he is at circle time, which requires him to sit on the floor, making his socks more accessible. I am assuming he doesn't do this at home because we stay busy with different types of activities, both inside and outside the home. I don't use the TV or video games as a babysitter. He is a bright boy but does tend to be a little self-conscious. He receives a lot of attention and affection. I am a stay at home mom and I am actively involved in his activities. And no I have not spanked him...
2006-12-12 12:32:16 · update #1
well if its not to cold give him sandles to wear for a month or two and take awya all his socks trash them or lock tehm up and keep yours awya from him, kids tend to do strange things atleast hes not picking his nose in public
2006-12-12 12:10:09 · answer #1 · answered by dontcry2me 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This may not sound like a good idea, but don't buy him any more socks, even if you pull the money out of his savings, and have him wear his sneakers without socks to school, and he may learn by not wearing socks if his feet gets cold, or start t get blisters. He may not like wearing socks, and you could try buying him another style of socks. You can put him in the corner if he pulls his socks apart again, and make him stand in the corner with his nose touching the wall for 30 minutes or so, and if he does it again, make him stand in the corner longer. COntinue to take away his TV, and video games, and so on. You could also make him clean up the mess, after he pulls his socks, and put him in the corner for a longer period of time. You could also have a conference with is teacher, and ask him/her what is going on, and find out why he is not paying attention in class. IF he is pulling his socks apart in class, talk to his teacher about this, and tell him/her that he does it at home.
2006-12-16 00:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by Pauly W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What I would do is whenever he pulls a sock apart (make sure you KNOW he did it) take away ALL of his socks. The first time, give them back the next morning. The second time, wait two days, then give them back in the morning. The third time wait three days, etc. It may take a while, but it should keep him from doing it. And if he doesn't do it for a couple of days THEN tears one apart, just do one day. That means he's learning.
Good luck!
-Clinton Swaim
2006-12-12 12:25:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds like it's turned into more of a habit for him. Find some shoes that have a nice soft lining (like some with a fleece lining), and let him go without socks as much as you can (I guess less if you live where it's cold). The time when he doesn't have an available sock to tear apart, he'll find something else to do and begin to break his habit. He'll start getting used to NOT pulling apart socks and doing something else. Have something else to put into his hands when you see him get fidgety.
2006-12-12 12:13:16 · answer #4 · answered by rgdet 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm changing my answer...
If this only happens at school, there's a good chance that your child is simply bored. It could be that he's too advanced for the curriculum being taught, especially if you're so involved with his education at home. Have him scholastically assessed to see if he would benefit from a different kind of educational level/environment.
My sister had a similar problem when she was in 2nd grade... she would constantly cut up pieces of paper and never do her homework, but her tests were always 100%. She'd gone to Kindergarten and first grade at a private school with a combined class up to the 3rd grade, so everything she was being taught at her new school in 2nd grade she already knew and she was bored.
2006-12-12 12:14:17 · answer #5 · answered by shoujomaniac101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy iron socks.. i bet he cant break those hahaha
no.. just kidding..
i would talk to him seriously and take all of his socks away.. he will have to learn one way or another.. he cant find pleasure in destroying socks.. or take him to a psychiatrist.. maybe he has a problem and wont tell u about it..
good luck!
2006-12-12 12:26:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your son my have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) in which he can't help his behavior. Start by trying to understand that he really can't control himself. Talk to him and tell him that you want to find out why he's doing this. Call the you local hospital and ask for a list of child psychologists in your area that specialize in children with OCD. If he knows it's wrong, gets in trouble for it but continues to do it then he obviously can't help it. No kid wants to get into trouble so, please be patient with him and find out if he has OCD and get him help. Also, explain to his teachers that you are going to have this investigated with a medical professional and you would appreciate their patience as well. He's suffering enough if he has OCD and doesn't need to suffer more by getting in trouble for something he has no control over.
Good Luck and God Bless!!
2006-12-12 12:17:35 · answer #7 · answered by pillowtalk504 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek help for your child, this sound like to me a form of habit, like sucking your thumb. People have crazy habits when they are comfortable, I know someone that plays with their toenails and rip them off while watching t.v. I know that's gross, I just want you to know that you are not alone. But with my friend when the toe nail is gone they just keep picking---eeewwww!!!!
I know this sound crazy but try to find reinforced socks. I know this isn't right but tell him your gonna make him wear leotards or buy a pair of leotards and tell him that he will have to wear them if he continues to wreck his sock. Good Luck
2006-12-12 12:22:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a little strange. Maybe see if he has a propensity to pull apart one type of texture and not another? Or, maybe this is a manefestation of OCD? Maybe check with a professional who has some expertise in this area. Perhaps even your school psychologist.
2006-12-12 12:17:27 · answer #9 · answered by the truth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow thats a good one, i was thinking maby he was curiouse at how socks were made but after 3 years. and u'v tried alot of things, what if u got him anckle socks or a certain kind like spiderman sock that he won't want to ruin instead of just plain white ones.
2006-12-12 12:18:23 · answer #10 · answered by pixy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's odd... Try to find spandex running socks. They're pretty smooth so he might not be able to get a string apart.
2006-12-12 12:11:22 · answer #11 · answered by Serena T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋