My 5yr old makes everything a contest between me and my ex?

He says it depending on his moods. If he's happy with you then he's going to want to make you feel better, thus, you make breakfast better. If he's unhappy with you then it's not going to come out very nice with him expecting you to cave. "My DAD doesn't make me clean my room" is a perfect example. Most kids don't really care for this chore so of course he's going to retort that dad doesn't make him do it (when in all honesty at dad's place it's probably "My MOM doesn't.....). It might even work over there, especially if you are the parent with primary physical custody because DAD wants to remain on his son's good side. Maybe it doesn't because dad might be stronger than that. Anyway you look at it, even if you were still a couple all it would take is for you two to not be in the same room together for those types of statements. Kids just like to push the envelope to see how far they can go to get what they want. Just keep reminding that you and dad have different rules. Of course, if you happen to be on speaking terms w/your ex, give a call and find out what the rules are so when he says he doesn't have to at his dad's you might be able to retort "Well, I did speak with your father and he says...."

Good luck.

I remember feeling like it WAS a competition between my parents. They divorced when I was young (8). It's not what they were doing that made me think it was a competition, it was my own narrow view of the world. It's hard when you're a kid and live in 2 houses with 2 sets of rules. Maybe he's just having a hard time expressing that. He might be just trying to make you understand that he likes some things best at each house.

First of all, it is actually my ex and me, not my ex and I because your son is the subject, not you and your ex. Ok now, he is being pretty rude but he is just trying to get his way. He thinks if he said that his dad doesn't make him clean his room, you will be a fun parent and not make him clean either. He just wants to get what he wants. Tell him that it's not ok. Whenever he said "my DAD _____" then tell him "I don't care what your dad does, this is my house, not his." he needs to learn to not compare his parents. punish him if he keeps doing this. if he says "dad wouldn't punish me" then say "your dad would want me to do this" and use that against him. he will soon learn that it's not a competition. until then, just remember not to get too offended by a 5 year old. hes a little kid. don't let him ruffle your feathers. good luck!

Don't respond to him when he says things like that. He can only do it if you let him. Once he sees that you aren't responding to his attempts he'll eventually stop. Make sure you ex is on the same page, if that is possible. He can't separate and divide if you two can communicate with each other.

you can't stop him

you can ask him what the difference is

make him think why he is saying it

and yes talk to your ex and find out if he does it there too

i use to get all the time well my dad lets me stay up my dad my dad bla bla bla

it gets old but once he realizes he does not hurt your or push your bottoms he will stop

just distract his thought possess

why is my supper different ???

If you have a new man in your life that could be one of the problems.Do you go out on dates in spend less time with him.Do you and your son have mother and son time.Do you help him with his home work.Do you talk bad about his father.Do you tell him you love him.Do you go up to his school when you have time and sit in the class room with him.Its seem your son love his dad and mother.Because he compare you to him a lot you get mad.I think you have not got over your break up with his father.His only five yrs old.I don't think you want to be a mother to him.He acting out for attenion.My sister used to do her kids like that.Have different men over everyday.Don't spend no time with the kids.I think its you not him.