I have a wonderful 5 year old. Hes incredibly smart, super hands on and loves to learn, he starts school this week.

Hes had a lot of changes recently and I know its been hard on him. His dad recently decided to no longer be a part of his life, me and his step dad have tried to keep it as positive but obviously he notices. Im also 15 weeks pregnant with his only other sibling (which he is very excited about). And hes starting kindergarten. So A LOT going on.

He was incredible well behaved and a very independent boy untill these last 6 months. Now he wont listen to me at all. He listens to his step father as hes much more stern.

Ive tried being stern, time outs, ive tried gentle reinforcements, ive tried giving him options and communication why somethings arent okay. Ive tried running out his energy. I also admit ive tried spanking. One weekend we removed all of his toys and grounded him from tv. Ive tried bribery and offering rewards.

He is suspected ADHD but this has never hindered him in the past. Weve cut out 80% of his sugar intake.

His step father works away from home from Monday - Saturday so its only us those days and by the end of the week im exhausted emotionally.

Im very tired being pregnant and any time ive dozed off, he gets into things. He climbed a shelf the other day, dug through a craft bin and poured gorilla glue all over his hands. I cannot focus on the house, or myself without him getting into things im scared are going to hurt him. When confronted hes screaming and throwing things.

I figured he was bored and have offered more hands on activities and new things.

I genuinely dont know what to do anymore and im at my wits end. Hes a wonderful little boy and I know this is just a phase but im having such a hard time getting through it.

Please Mommas, if anyone has any tips or ideas or even words of encouragment 😭