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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To say that my almost 3 year old is really hard work!

34 replies

wingingit987 · 15/08/2021 07:36

My lb is 3 next month and I'm just wondering is it the norm for them to be this much hard work it's exhausting.

He's like a whippet runs at the speed of light but cry's and screams multiple times a day (mini tantrums) He doesn't listen to anything I say and if I ask him not to do something he will smirk at me and say no. He's quite destructive at the moment I'm finding he's trying to break things and throwing toys.

He will run off when out he's 100 times better than he was but really difficult on my one with the baby aswell.

A little while ago I was worried about his speech but I don't think that's the case anymore as hes able to back chat me really well.

I hate writing this as I currently have a month old baby and I feel I've turned his life upside down but my god he's driving me mad. He's very involved in the baby I've tried to make him mummy's little helper which is abit of a hit and a miss. He's not all bad obviously I love him to bits he very loving.

I think im just looking for some reassurance or advice.

From one very tired mum.

OP posts:
girlmom21 · 15/08/2021 07:58

Toddlers are insane little whirlwinds. They are hard work.
Does he go to any kind of childcare to give you a bit of a reprieve? Is that a viable option for you?

Bonnie90x · 15/08/2021 08:02

Same boat, I find myself with a relentless 3.5 dd and a 5mo baby. It's bloody hard (especially when in my case there's a hefty dose of PND thrown in)
My dd is loud, highly highly energetic, demanding and can throw tantrums over the slightest thing. I made allowances at first as we'd just moved to another country in Jan and then I had her brother in march, but 8 months on she's just as unruly as ever, but on the other hand can be the most sweetest and loving little thing. The helping with the baby is very hit and miss too, sometimes she loves to help other times she's disinterested. It has got marginally easier as time has trotted on but I still find her such hard work.

No advice I'm afraid but solidarity.
Mine starts preschool for 2 hours a day in September after 2 years of being at home everyday with me, so I'd be lying if I said I wasn't counting down the days.

All I can do is make sure I carve out specific 'mummy and daughter' time every day, even if it's just half an hours playing whilst baby is napping, or pottering in the garden, as I'm told it's mostly an attention seeking thing given the new baby arriving. X

Yamaya · 15/08/2021 08:03

My son is nearly 3 and they sound very similar to be honest. He runs off, yells when he doesn't get his own way, lots of mini tantrums with the occasional big meltdown thrown in - usually when we are out in public. I am hoping it's just their age. His nursery hasn't suggested anything could be wrong so I've come to the conclusion he's probably just a bit of an arse!

Florin · 15/08/2021 08:06

That age is just the hardest and with a baby too oh it must be extremely hard. Our ds is 9 now and my dh and I still comment when we see toddlers your ds’s age how hard they age was. It does get easier though so set low standards and just do the basics to get through it.

WarriorN · 15/08/2021 08:32

3 is really hard.

Number 2 was actually a much more laid back, compliant baby and toddler till he turned 3.

It was like a mini Kevin the teenager as the clock struck 12.

I remember this phase was the hardest with my first who is now a delightful 8 yr old. What was hard with him is he had boundless energy, ran everywhere and wouldn't settle to anything or play by himself, up at 5 for the day etc. I lived in the park and soft play. I even took emergency chocolate buttons everywhere for "training" him on the scooter to stop at roads and incase he was dangerously going to run off. (Was later admired for how sensible he was on a scooter!)

Haven't had to do that for number 2, he just listens and does. But he throws huge tantrums if he can't get his way that last for aaaagggggees.

They are a bit like teens; their brains are doing some final organising and they're more aware if the world and themselves in it/ growing independence. But also want to be a baby as they basically still are.

They need a lot of help with emotional regulation.

Pick your battles.

Keep them well topped up with snacks and drinks (meals may be in bits through the day.)

Talk about what's going to happen in the day; i draw pictures on a sheet sometimes. I've also done a week with which days are nursery etc, crossing them off. Didn't work at first but now he likes it.

CBeebies is fine; you can scale it back later.

talk to them about an incident when they're calm "I know you wanted x but sometimes we can't and we just wait till next time. Well done for waiting."

Get in the bath with them after an especially hard day. Seems to help.

Toddler Discipline Without Shame and How to Talk to little Kids so they'll Listen and how to Listen so they'll Talk are two books I found really helpful.

(First one advocates against chocolate buttons but for me it was a health and safety thing!)

Many days are utter shit but you're both learning about each other so put it down to a learning process and the next day will be better!

Confused102 · 15/08/2021 08:34

It's a big change for him now with the little one, he's probably wanting attention. Don't worry it will pass. Also don't put pressure on yourself. It is what it is right now. Once you all settle into a routine, you might find he will too. Also it's called the terrible threes, not for nothing.

WarriorN · 15/08/2021 08:34

Don't argue, they can't reason.

Give choices, both of which you want them to do. They feel they have some control.

orangejuicer · 15/08/2021 08:36

Sounds normal, same here OP.

I don't have much advice to offer, have this Cake

bananacrumble · 15/08/2021 08:39

Op it doesn't help as your tired with a new baby. It does get easier!
I have 2 with SEN and a baby. I find it really hard with my oldest 2 having special needs but my youngest 18m is a dream
I think every parenting story is different and if people say it's easy their telling porkies.
The Back chat makes me giggle though haha love a good argument with them at times as we burst out Laughing mid argument !
Just cherish it as hard as it may be. Your lucky to have 2 healthy children. It will get easier but good job specially encouraging him to be mummy's helper, my oldest 2 still try, in the greatest fashion ever as they aren't very well so it usually leads to more mess specially nappy changing haha xx

wingingit987 · 15/08/2021 13:47

Thank you for your replies. Sounds pretty normal i was hoping it was going to get easier and not harder 🤣

He does go to nursery 3 mornings a week and will go full days from January.

I just hate the feeling that I'm always telling him off.

OP posts:
ReggaetonLente · 15/08/2021 13:51

I think it's just the age and the new baby. It's so hard though. I've just massively lowered my standards and accepted that ending the day with everyone relatively cheerful is a win.

I really recommend the book How To Talk So Little Kids Will Listen, it helped reframe a lot of my expectations and gave us great tools to deal with difficult behaviour.

Seeline · 15/08/2021 13:53

I just hate the feeling that I'm always telling him off.

Obviously you have to tell him off in certain situations - danger etc, but really try to praise him when he is behaving well - dies what he is told, walking nicely, helping, eating etc. If he is looking for attention - it's far better if that attention is given in response to good things rather than bad.

WarriorN · 15/08/2021 18:10

I just hate the feeling that I'm always telling him off.

Both books I mentioned have really useful phrases to use so it doesn't seem as "telling off" but still maintains firm boundaries.

They are basically learning all about boundaries, while also trying to learn some independence (which comes across as very controlling, challenging behaviour. They just don't understand safety, negotiation and reason yet.)

Eg; There was a wonderful little video I once saw on YouTube of a mum dealing with a tantrum instigated by a request she couldn't fulfil, "ask me something I can say yes to" while toddler sobbed and howled. It worked with my eldest; I think my 3er isn't quite there yet.

www.janetlansbury.com/2010/04/no-bad-kids-toddler-discipline-without-shame-9-guidelines/

WarriorN · 15/08/2021 18:12

Yes and praise goes a long way. Buckets of praise for anything!

Except when they're quiet and getting on with something; I leave them as long as I can!

YouJustDoYou · 15/08/2021 18:15

The toddler age is hellish for many. its not forever though- hang in there! He's three already, not long to go and you'll start to edge into gentler territory.

OatyBarKid · 15/08/2021 18:17

I feel you. God I feel you, I've a 2 yr old and a 4 yr old. Dc1 is development delayed and SEN so it's like having twins and. It. Is. Exhausting.

Pumperthepumper · 15/08/2021 18:18

What are you telling him off for, what’s he up to?

arcof · 15/08/2021 18:33

Another popping on to say it's a relentless slog. I miss the days I could sit on my arse doing nothing! Keep him busy, teach him to do LOTS of things for himself as they love the independence. Look at Montessori toys as they can be more engaging. When all else fails, use the tele 📺 😬

Siameasy · 15/08/2021 23:23

It’s an awful age. They are like drunkards or on a bender. I was frequently in tears by 8am with my DC.

It gets miles miles easier when they start school.

ifindoubtdoit · 16/08/2021 00:12

I'm also finding 3 really difficult. It's totally exhausting there seems no end to the destruction, mess, dirt, talking and energy

Sleep is difficult too thanks to covid normal routine went out the window and now bed time seems to be 9pm every night.

DH and I have no evenings together and most nights I spend cleaning.

The flip side a healthy happy child who at 3 can hold their own is confident and clever.

So I consider myself very very lucky.

Kanaloa · 16/08/2021 01:38

Maybe you need to look at your response. For example how do you respond to him throwing or breaking toys? Three is old enough to not be doing this. For running off I would invest in a backpack leash, better to never give him the opportunity. And crying and screaming I would totally blank so it got no reaction.

ReggaetonLente · 16/08/2021 01:56

And crying and screaming I would totally blank so it got no reaction.

Why? He's not doing it for a 'reaction', he's having big emotions he can't handle and needs help to navigate. I don't think ignoring a distressed child will be particularly helpful or healthy for anyone?

problembottom · 16/08/2021 08:37

My DD is 2.8 and is suddenly having insane emotional meltdowns. Lots of challenging behaviour. She has so much going on in her head - she tells me how scared she is of random things like a tiger coming in her bed at night. Says nursery which she’s loved for two years makes her sad. It feels her brain has developed loads and she can’t cope emotionally?

We’re reading books I’ve been recommended about emotions and fear and they seem to be helping a little. I’ve also gone back to basics - only one big thing like a playdate a day, if she seems strung out we spend the day at home.

Kanaloa · 16/08/2021 08:39

@ReggaetonLente

And crying and screaming I would totally blank so it got no reaction.

Why? He's not doing it for a 'reaction', he's having big emotions he can't handle and needs help to navigate. I don't think ignoring a distressed child will be particularly helpful or healthy for anyone?

OP says they are tantrums. In my experience the best response to a tantrum was no response, but going about my business as usual until the child had stopped. I’ve never found it a good idea to try reasoning with a tantrumming child, after working with kids for years and having four of my own.
cadburyegg · 16/08/2021 08:48

It’s relentless at that age. I had a 3yo and a baby and I was shocked to find the baby was sooooo much easier! Both of mine loved running off at that age Confused

Utilise all childcare available to you particularly as your eldest will be eligible for the funded childcare hours soon. I actually increased DS1’s nursery days when I was on maternity leave after he became eligible for the funded hours.

Hang in there. In a few months time your DC2 will be more interesting to DC1 and DC1 will be a bit more independent. My DC are 3 and 6 now and playing together while I sneak a coffee in relative peace. DS2 is 3.5 and still a bit of a nightmare at times. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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