Q:
My 5-year-old grandson likes to pull down other people's pants. This has been going on for some time now. What shall we do about it? He goes to daycare five days a week.
A:
This is unacceptable behavior for a 5-year-old. It sounds like everyone has been tolerant of it, which has to stop. I suggest the adults in his life let him know in a nice way that this is not the way a 5-year-old boy behaves.
If an explanation doesn't work, start placing him in a 15-minute time-out every time he tries to pull someone's pants down. Encourage the daycare employees to do the same, and get a daily report from them about his behavior.
If he's doing this at daycare and not going into a time-out, send him to bed an hour early. For a positive reinforcement, reward him with a weekend prize for the weeks his behavior improves. Choose prizes that excite your son. Some suggestions: playing a game, an extra bedtime story, making popcorn, watching a video or going for a bike ride.
Kenneth N. Condrell Ph.D Child Psychologist
Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition.