[Chris Patton]

I think you need to be careful with phrases like "nervous breakdown". I hope you didn't use it with the mother to describe the situation.

It's not all that odd for a child to have a temper tantrum when they are tired, especially if they are being pushed hard by parents. I agree with Sonia that short activities are the way to go.

I would also suggest a lot of variety. Do a few minutes of chants or songs, followed by a colouring worksheet, and then a game-like activity, and then a very short chunk of a children's video etc. The old saying "a change is as good as a rest" is very true with children.

While change is good, children also thrive on routine. So, you can do 12 short activities in an hour, but try to keep them in the same order. He will soon learn that things will happen in a predictable way and he will take comfort from that.

Finally, remember that your students mood, and that of his mother, will depend upon yours. No matter how he behaves or how demanding the mother gets you must try to maintain a rational, professional demeanor. This will help both with his misbehaviour and her demanding nature in the long run.

Good luck!
Chris