I could never make it as an actor. I’m far too self-aware for that. While I enjoy binge-watching TV shows and movies, I have a deep admiration for those who can perform, but acting just isn’t in my wheelhouse. (Not that I’ve been asked to audition!)
On the other hand, my 6-year-old son, Leo, might be destined for the stage. It’s not just because he’s got a knack for pretending (he certainly does) or that his lying skills are coming along nicely; it’s simply because he thrives on the spotlight!
However, I don’t mean that in a flattering way. My son is a full-blown drama king, and it’s exhausting. Just this morning, he threw a fit when I mistakenly handed him his sister’s socks, which are nearly identical to his, but with a hint of pink. Pink! The horror! Despite my best efforts to raise him without those arbitrary gender constraints that can limit his experiences, right now he’s fully embracing the “Ew! Girls!” mentality.
What’s truly lacking in this little guy? Shame.
Well, that’s not entirely accurate. There are moments he hesitates, like speaking to unfamiliar faces or being the center of attention in public. He even turned down an opportunity to be an extra on a David Simon HBO show filming down our street last fall. But when it comes to dramatic outbursts? He’s unrestrained. He’ll unleash a full-blown meltdown in stores, restaurants, parks, and even on sidewalks.
I’m not noticing a lot of self-consciousness there. While I believe that navigating life without a shred of shame is a powerful advantage, sometimes I wish my little guy would realize how ridiculous he looks during these tantrums. They really need to come to an end.
Especially since he’s mostly just seeking attention.
It’s not merely a discipline issue. The moment he bumps his knee? Cue the drama. If his mini muffins tumble? Drama time. Almost trips? You guessed it—drama time. I haven’t witnessed this level of exaggerated howling since MTV yanked the plug on that Teen Wolf series I never bothered to watch (let’s face it: teenage werewolves resembling male models? There was probably a lot of howling).
The real challenge, as with much of parenting, is distinguishing my expectations for his behavior based on his age from the genuine reasons behind it. Sure, he’s 6, and it’s tempting to say that kids his age shouldn’t be throwing such fits (and I admit, I’ve muttered that in frustration, often with some colorful language!). However, it’s also understandable given that we welcomed a new baby nine months ago.
Leo is utterly smitten with his baby brother. Their age difference creates a buffer, preventing the usual squabbles over toys or TV shows. Yet, it’s not such a large gap that Leo can completely separate himself from me and my wife, which means there’s bound to be some sibling rivalry. With a baby demanding attention, he naturally receives less than he’s accustomed to.
It’s easy to forget, especially while caring for an infant, that a 6-year-old who can (mostly) fend for himself is still very much a child. After five years of being the center of our world, he’s no longer the star of the show. With all this change, a bit of behavioral upheaval is to be expected.
I just wish it were a tad less dramatic, more private, and less frequent. We’re making progress, though.
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Summary
In this humorous reflection, Jake Thompson shares the ups and downs of parenting a 6-year-old son, Leo, who embodies over-the-top drama at every turn. From meltdowns over socks to tantrums in public, Leo’s antics serve as a reminder of the challenges and joys of navigating childhood behavior, especially with a new sibling in the mix.