Terrible 3's

Counting_Pennies_2

I think this is the really tricky age as sleeps tend to have stopped but they just don't have the mental capacity to get through the day.

I would offer more down time, perhaps cuddles on the sofa watching Cbeebies. Making crispy cakes. Drawing together. Whatever you can do that is calm and doing something together.

Sometimes we fill out days too much and become too busy and they get overwhelmed.

When you are feeling like you want to smack, walk away. Scream into a pillow, sit on the loo and compose yourself.

Impose the naughty step after a warning if you do that again you will be on time out.

Talk calmly and firmly.

Cross mummy is still loved, the boundaries are being tested and you need to hold firm.

georgie262

It fills me with dread to think that my 22 month old will get naughtier. He's not even 2 and he is so strong willed. We take him on outings and can't stop at a cafe for food because he will tear around the place if he isn't strapped in his pram. He will not stop from the moemt he wakes up till the moment he goes to bed. I work so he goes to nursery and even the nursery staff ask how I cope at home.
Don't get me wrong he is often delightful but everything is "No" or "mine" or lets just run in the opposite direction and not wait for Mummy or Daddy. I have wondered about the naughty step or some kind of time out but was worried he would still be a bit young to understand.

barbiedoll

neverdespairgirl wrote: »

I use a similar line - "there's no point arguing about this, because I'm not going to change my mind."

Haha..that's a line I use with my husband!

Along with my personal favourite...."I'm not going to argue with you because I know I'm right".....Oh lordy, he absolutely hates that one. :rotfl::rotfl:

Not sure if they'll work on a 3yr old but I guess it's worth a try!

pigpen

georgie262 wrote: »

I have wondered about the naughty step or some kind of time out but was worried he would still be a bit young to understand.

Now is the best time to start it.. otherwise they get to 4 and are little ratbags that are driving you up the wall..

They understand heck of a lot more than parents give them credit for.. don't be fooled..

Behaving badly when out.. the best response is to take them straight home again or strap them down. I am still teaching my 22 month old recall.. you know, like when you whistle and your dog comes running.. she is still wild and cavebaby like but is getting the message slowly.

Savvy_Sue

pigpen wrote: »

They understand heck of a lot more than parents give them credit for.. don't be fooled..

I think this is very true: I think you need to start everything (except maybe potty training ...) a bit earlier than you think the child is capable of understanding, IYSWIM. You definitely need to talk about things before you think the child is capable of understanding, because if you wait until the child definitely IS capable of understanding, you're a bit behind the times.