How to not fall into this trap?

[MAiiax]

Of giving into your kids? I have a 3yo and nearly 1yo. Eldest tantrums melts down a lot. It can be hard to cope with.

I find myself giving into his demands a lot. Sometimes he's so bossy if I say mummy's just going to the loo he blocks the stairs and won't let me go up and flips if he's in a bad mood. DH said I need to be tougher.

And he's at a really testing boundary stage he's being so naughty. Hitting, throwing stuff, spitting (random one!) And not listening and even in nursery isn't listening. They said he's improved but he has been acting out there a bit too. He has just moved up to preschool.

But how do I get out of this and not fall into the trap and turn him into a brat? I don't want to do that to him. I'm so weak I just give in when he kicks off :/

Your DH is right. You are the boss. A kid of three cannot block the stairs, you simply pick him up and move him out of the way. If he has a screaming tantrum, well it's his own time he's wasting. You need to be consistent in your approach, and you don't need to get cross, just calm, firm and forthright and DO NOT give in.