Problems with my almost 4 year old little girl

TAG

Hi

It sounds as though you've both had alot to deal with over the last few months. The seperation, getting back together and a new baby on the way. Alot for an adult to deal with let alone a 4 year old.

It's not known as the' frightful fours' for nothing. My DD was 4 in December. They're just becoming that tiny bit more independent, pushing the boundaries and more understanding of what's going on around them than we give them credit for. And their manipulative little monkeys to boot.

Why don't you use your week off at the end of the month as a fresh beginning. I'm not saying it'll be a breeze but you have a chance to recharge your batteries. So if your not so tired things will probably not appear as bad as they seem at the moment.

As for the parenting classes comment. If they all came with a manual we'd all be perfect wouldn't we. :rolleyes: It's all a learning curve. We're all different that's what makes the world go round.:cool:
Good Luck and chin up it won't last forever.:j

Tag x

Grumpysally

Just to repeat what many others have said here, it's normal behaviour for a four year old. Yes it's very frustrating, yes you sometimes feel that you want to kill them. Im going thro' it at the moment with my youngest. Ive a 16 and 15 y/o too so they do grow out of it ( I keep having to tell myself, especially at yet another fraught bedtime)
Good luck and don't be too hard on yourself. contact your health visitor if you feel you need the support. As for the parenting classes coment, there wouldn't be enough places if every parent of a 4 y/o who was at their wits end signed up for them : )

wifeforlife

:hello::hello::hello::hello::hello:

Hi Betty

Been following your thread, just wondering how your feeling and getting on with your little angel:A :eek:

Having spoke to you before about other things, I gotta tell you the best things I've ever done with my lil woman (same age as yours), getting a good sleep routine as others have said. My dd is usually in bed 7-7.30, not always but definately 90% of the time. I also spend alot of time just sitting with her on my knee, just cuddling. We could be just watching tv my programmes or hers and nothing is said, but it's nice to just hold her. I have to admit I dont worry about the cleaning, the ironing, the usual things or even the phone ringing, I just sit there :rotfl:

It'll settle, I dont how or why but it will, dont forget if you want a wee break to NI I'm here!

Cate

[Deleted User]

my dd is now 34 and good as gold but she turned into a monster at 4 and started behaving well at 19

Looking back now I am sure it was linked to hypoglycaemia ie her blood sugar dipped in between meals. Change you daughter`s food a little and give foods that release blood sugar slowly and also give her a nice sandwich or some whole grain cereal 2 hours after a meal. Her behaviour will improve just stick with it and keep the boundaries, as home is the safest place for her to rebel

Bettyboop

Thank you everyone for responding to my real concerns. My little girl has been okay but I am finding that since I started working more hours (mid May), that we are not as close anymore. I used to take her to a playgroup at the Church every second Thursday, we did painting, cutting, making cakes, biscuits you name it we did it. The last few days I have really felt like I have let her down. I took this job because the opportunity was there. Someone said to me the other day I should have waited until she started school.....and I wish I had. I took it mostly because of financial reasons and today I cried because I should never have put that issue above our time together. I am struggeling to get the time together to spend with her. She wanted to paint tonight but being close to bath and bed time I said that I will try and finish work early so that we can do this activity together tomorrow. I am stressed to no end and I ended up at A & E on my way to work as I woke up with terrible pains across my stomach. I had them for ages. They have subsided now but I'm sure this, the guilt I feel and everything is definitely coming to a head now and I hope that everything will be okay. Thanks for caring.

wifeforlife

Hi Betty

Glad your online! Hows bump today? I hope those pains are alright now for you.

Dont worry about doing activities with her, my dd helps me make dinner and washes up when I bother (I usually wait until shes in bed), plus we have baths together sometimes! You dont have to go out of your way to do special activities with her, just include her in the daily grind with you.

I'm going to find those bath paints for you, I think someone else mentioned them before

Dont feel guilty your doing the most fantastic job

Cate x

Bettyboop

Cate, my daughter has bath crayons which I used to let her have every night. Tonight for example while I was running our bath she scribbled everywhere tiles and all.....and I cleaned the bathroom yesterday : ). I love her so much and sometimes when I ask her if I can have a kiss and cuddle before she jumps into bed she says no.......today was because of the painting, she really wanted to do that. I don't have time for self help books as one poster suggested as every child is different but I'm sure some share the same behaviour. Bath paints would be a great idea.....she would really love that. I have a book called The Power of a Praying Parent....and I hope to start reading it soon. Thanks as always for your inspirational thoughts. x

Bettyboop

Ooops I forgot to add that I made and finished the invitations for her birthday party tonight. I'm really pleased with them. It's a princess theme this year and she is going to be dressed as Belle - she's her favourite. Hope all the kiddies can make it.....if you or anyone else has some party game ideas suitable for Princess and of course Princes please share: ). Thanks

arthur_dent_2

Still cant beat musical chairs and pass the parcel imo.:)

Elliesmum

Keep yer chin up. I'm having similar problems with mine who was 4 in February. I do think sleep is very important - mine has to be up at 6.30 in the morning 3 morning a week. These nights I try and get her to bed by 7 - to give her as much sleep as possible.

DD is a good sleeper though - always has been. Blackout blinds from Ikea are good - if you've one nearby. Much cheaper than anyone on the internet and better quality.

The only other thing I'm going to say is try and keep your cool (easier said than done I know) and stick to your original plan - if they see a chink they will play on that.

Mine had a complete dicky fit over a clock in my local supermarket the other day - full works screaming and crying. I would not give in - she was not having the clock - I said no and I meant no. EVERYONE was watching but to be honest when I started to talk to the spectators (oh the show really was that good) they all said how they had admired the fact I hadn't given in! Was nice to get a little support from passers by!

Needless to say 4 year old carried on screaming, through the checkouts, when packing the car and all the way home - hey hum!

EM xx