facing the challenges of a 3 year old....

Julz, then at least I know that I am not alone in this madness!!

Last night she kicked me in the face!
I was really upset because previously her kicking and screaming was just general kicking and screaming but the kick from last night was aimed at me!

(I think the kick might have been triggered by her grandma telling about a family members dog that has to be put down...and that everyone is very sad.). Now trying to explain death to a 3 year old in such a way that doesn't put her into therapy!

Hey GW.

All I can say is I feel your pain. When someone figures out how to cope with a three year old let me know because I am totally clueless.

I find myself becoming more and more like the mother I didn't want to be.

There are awesome times too, but wow Dylan is a real smart alec.

oh, momtoc....Sounds like a different ballgame again at 4 years!
How does that saying go again, terrible two's, someting threes and then fearsome fours???

Indepence is definetely the key word! I will have to be more careful with my car keys or she might go shopping on her own!

I laughed my head off about the floods....

Elamsmom, I hate to break it to you....I think it gets tougher....well, for the past 2 weeks it feels like it! In a panic I read the chapter about 3 year olds from my Toddler sense book. It was confirmed. Yes, they said that forget about 2 year old tantrums, wait for the 3 year olds! Save your energy for that phase! Not the news I wanted to hear. They test everything. Every single thing needs to be explained as why to you said whatever you said. They have realised that they actuall have a say in things and have power to use. This is offcourse all very normal and a healthy part of their development. But, boy, does it make you tired!!!

Like Monica says, you have to try and have a routine and stick to your guns.

I am so with you MonicaR about the time-outs for myself!! I locked myself in the bathroom the otherday to breath.....

I find that she responds if I express my frustrations with "I statements". However sometimes she needs a minute or so to make the right choice.

The frequency that you have to show the correct behaviour has trippled compared to a 2 year old in my opinion. They are testing a boundary around every corner!

Phew!!!

GW, I understand perfectly. When she hit that 3 year mark, man oh man, did I get a rude awakening. This age is all about independence & they want to do everything on their own & they want to help with everything. They start with the copycatting & repeat everything you say, which annoys the living daylight out of me & believe me, that still goes on well after 4 Luckily my daughter is turning 5 in Oct so it has gotten alot better.

Yes, there will always be challenges with each age as it's never going to be a breeze. We do occasionally bump heads because of other things but nothing too major. Overall she listens to me & does what I say.

The only problem that comes into affect when they turn about 4 is; fears fears fears PRESCHOOLERS (3-6 years) imaginary figures (e.g., ghosts, monsters, supernatural beings, the dark, noises, sleeping alone, thunder, floods)
My lg fears all of the above except floods hahahaha.
Since Jan this year I've been struggling with her to go to bed on her own. She always went to our bed 1st & then I just put her ladybird on that makes stars on the ceiling & she would be okay if I left her. She also knew that she will be taken to her bed later on but now I have to lie next to her until she sleeps. She is just terrified of the dark, ghosts, monsters etc. It does get exhausting with times. She was very bad in the beginning because she would be like that in daylight as well. I would have to go with her when she wants to use the toilet, fetch something in her room etc but we do have some good days with it. I know this is normal behaviour for her age but it's hard cause I don't now how to ease her mind. You can't just tell such a small child she is just imagining things & so on cause to them it all feels so real & they don't understand everything.
I'm very cautious with what she sees on tv but you can't control everything they watch at school or hear from other kids.

Sorry for the long post............got a bit carried away!!!

GW - I understand exactly what you are saying. My 3 year old is definately giving me a run for my money. Everyone says wait for the Terrible 2's - but i disagree with that. The 2's were a breeze compared to the 3's now.
I thought it was just me as Im pregnant now too and i thought it was just me and the hormones... well probably part of the problem .... but at least I am not alone in thinking that the 3's are worse off.

Luckily for us - we send my LG off to my mom for a night or weekend to give us a break when she becomes completely out of control - then when she comes back we have both had breaks and we can face each other again. It definately is tough work.

i find consistency is key and you have to stick to it - can't go and change things every time you or her does something - have to keep it constant. Eventually after a few days they realise things are not going to change and that is how it is.

I find myself taking time outs now instead of her....
I wish i had the answer but i don't - I just keep hoping that this is just a phase she is going through and it will subside.

Good luck!! (I don't know how im going to handle the 3 year old with a newborn around...)

@Gloeiwurmpie:Noooooooooooooooo!!!!! Don't say that! I thought that I was done after the so-called Terrible two's! I was ready to breathe a sigh a relief after the 2's and pat myself on the back for a job well done & that we'd survived the worst! Now you are telling me that the 3's bring on a new set of challenges???

@Joybaby; yep, this parenting thing is not for the fainthearted... I don't know how people do it without domestic help. I honestly take my hat off to you ladies!

Ok *sigh*. Guess I better put on that vest with an "S" on my chest...