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AIBU?

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To wonder if I’m parenting really badly or are three year olds just like this?

34 replies

Horrible3 · 13/04/2024 19:32

Mine isn’t too bad when it’s just me. If someone else - mostly dad but anyone really - is around, he’s horrible to me.

Mostly he ignores me if I ask a question. I have to keep asking to get a response.

The ignoring me is really a problem, today for instance we were on a green and I said to him that we’d just quickly go to the toilets and he just walked off and kept walking. I was following him repeatedly saying his name. Touched his shoulder and he shouted ‘get OFF me.’ He often shouts this or ‘stop it mummy’ if I hold his hand or whatever.

He snatches things, pulls my hair and speaks to me like shit. I don’t expect perfect manners at this age obviously but it really gets me down.

I don’t know where I’ve gone wrong, I speak nicely to him and others. I do correct him and discipline him but it’s hard as he doesn’t really care about much and the firmer you get the more defiant he becomes, just laughs at you Sad

OP posts:
Charlie2121 · 13/04/2024 20:54

I have a 3 year old son and don’t recognise behaviour anywhere near this bad. I would be extremely concerned if he acted in such a manner.

Horrible3 · 13/04/2024 20:53

His caregivers?

OP posts:
comfyshoes2022 · 13/04/2024 20:51

I’m really sorry you’re going through this, and I’m sure you’re a good parent. To be honest this doesn’t sound like very typical behaviour to me but it sounds like others think so. I might try talking to his caregivers about it or the HV.

Horrible3 · 13/04/2024 20:44

Thanks. I’m so glad it isn’t just me.

To be fair he doesn’t run off so much as walk - it’s just as if he doesn’t hear you (although he does.) I can’t say he’s always pleasant to DH but I definitely get the brunt of the behaviour and while I know, safe space and all that it’s so hurtful.

OP posts:
Luckydog7 · 13/04/2024 19:40

Theres a reason they are call threenagers. Mines turned four and slowly improving now but I basically had to let a lot of things go.

There were somethings that we had to be very strict with (even physically restraining and raised voices) that are zero tolerance though. Road safety, violence towards sibling. Running off in public etc.

Noicant · 13/04/2024 19:37

Honestly mines 4 and getting a bit better as time goes on. I think a lot of parenting is just reinforcing whats ok and whats not ok and gritting your teeth and getting through whatever phase they are going through now.

What I found effective with DD is a warning on exactly what behaviour would be considered crossing the line (hitting in her case) while we are out and first time she stepped over it I brought her home immediately. Then next time you go out, give the warning and remind them that last time you took them home. Dd ended up going home after 20 minutes the first time and there wasn’t a second time.

uptheantrimcoast · 13/04/2024 19:35

This really sounds like my three year old, especially your last sentence. I've been wondering the same about poor parenting but now I'm hopeful it's three year olds in general?
I've no advice, but sounds like we're going through the same thing.

LetsGoRoundTheRoundabout · 13/04/2024 19:35

Sounds very familiar. Particularly being much easier when with just one adult!

FusilliNom · 13/04/2024 19:33

Mine went through a similar stage at just gone three. It's getting a lot better now as they near 4