Reddit reviews Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

I can't recommend this book enough: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman.

It deals with scientifically proven, non-violent ways to address 90% of the behavior problems I see on this sub. I use it with my students, and it works wonders. Without more details, I can't say why your son is acting as he is.

I wonder: how do you and your wife handle frustrating situations? If you're working on something that breaks, do you guys laugh and try again? Or is there anger, shouting, cursing, stomping, withdrawing, etc? Kids tend to mimic the coping mechanisms they are exposed to at home, and learn to act the way that their parents guide them to.

It sounds like you're on the right track. Kids need boundaries and logical consequences for misbehavior. Some of my favorite parenting books are:

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child

The 5 Love Languages of Children: The Secret to Loving Children Effectively

Understanding Your Child's Temperament

These books can be pretty dry, but the information is very useful. If you google enough you can probably find the cliff's notes versions. Good luck!

Don't forget, you are the parent now, so if you want to raise her without religion and on public school, that is your choice now. Although, it might be wise to not make these changes immediately.

http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Freethinkers-Practical-Parenting-Beyond/dp/0814410960/ref=lh_ni_t

http://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Beyond-Belief-Raising-Religion/dp/0814474268/ref=lh_ni_t

http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Emotionally-Intelligent-Child-ebook/dp/B005HF2VI2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344057659&sr=8-2&keywords=raising+emotionally+intelligent+children