to wonder if all children behave like this at Christmas?

[PatButchersEarring]

DD 4.5yrs.

Normally a lively but generally ok(ish) behaved little girl.

The last week or so, she has thoroughly got on my wick! Screaming at me, whining to get her own way constantly, winding people up on purpose, not listening or responding when people talk to her, generally not doing as she's been asked, saying vaguely mean things to others, having a LOT of toilet accidents (it appears to be a simple case of 'can't be bothered to go' itis).

Is this a new phase/just my child, or is this Christmas fever/over excitement taking over?

Aaargghhh!!

My 3 have all been like this too. Think it is a combination of over excitement and over tired.
Actually thought last night that I'm looking forward to them not believing in Santa anymore so they realise that Christmas doesn't just happen.

Does she go to school?

My son has been like this because he's exhausted from a long school term. Now that he's been off for a few days he's much better, although he does have a dodgy tummy at the moment.

The DDs have driven me mad today! They're too excited and they don't know what to do with themselves.

They're like yours - generally well behaved but today they've just been on edge.

Thankfully they've now settled in front of The Nightmare Before Christmas.

I hear you...

I think they are all shattered and then you add in non stop activities and too much sugar and it is all a bit overwhelming.

I'm being really dull today and trying to limit chocolate consumption

Yes it's Christmas. This is the age where they understand the idea of something in the future and all the hype and excitement builds up and gets overwhelming. Ds who's 4 had a mini meltdown the over day - completely out of character!

Different specifics but similar behaviour from my 4.5yo here! Just had a thinking time in his room and now crashed out in front of beebies...

I think that it is generally the mixture of being tired after a long term and over excitement. My friend says her girls are awful over Christmas, every year and they always end up with tears and tantrums.

I find it hard to believe as they are such sweet girls but it just goes to show that even the best behaved children get like this .

Mine was like this. He is 7 now (or is very soon anyway) and this year has been the easiest so far WRT tk behaviour.

My other one is 2, so this will be the easy year and next year I expect it to start all over again.

Good luck OP I know how it feels.

mine are v.tired, but too Christmas-giddy for lie-ins or early nights. I reckon that after boxing day they'll have a big catch up on sleep, and we'll get back to normal.

Mine have been alarmingly good this last two days, especially considering they've had to come to work with me. Yesterday they were so engrossed in a x-mas film I hardly noticed they were there. Today they were both on a charm offensive, holding doors open for customers, helping people with their bags and wishing everyone a merry x-mas and singing carols for people. They earned £1.80 and a mix up between them which was probably their plan all along

However within the last hour they have both turned into farm yard animals and are currently crawling around the house mooing and oinking loudly

end of term fatigue

over-excited is normal, yes.