how do I deal with this?!

[tweetyfish]

DS (3.3) is driving me up the wall at the moment and haven't got a clue how to stop it or even if I should just ride it out...

Basically, he has a naughty step technique, as per supernanny. However, whenever he disagrees with what I say (eg, No, you cannot have a biscuit) he tells me I'm a naughty mummy and I should go to the naughty corner. Also shouts at me "Don't talk to me like that" and "don't be rude to me" - which is excatly what I'd been doing when he tells me off.

It makes me feel like he's the parent and not me, as I have no idea what to do about it. I know that I should be ignoring him but it's so hard! Doesn't help that my confidence as a mum is fast diminishing!

Is this a phase? how could i deal with it? Is this what threenagers are like?

anyone?

Hi tweetyfish.

When I went on a parenting course (many moons ago), they told me just to ignore 'low-level' misbehaviour. So maybe you could stick to the naughty step for the 'really bad' things and ignore for all the rest.

Easier said than done, I know!

My DS is about the same age and is pretty much the same. Also tells me to sit on the naughty step. Generally he does something a bit naughty (usually just point black refuses to go for a wee or have a bath) then absolutely SCREAMS when we try to press the point. It's the screaming and lashing out we object to rather than the original misdemeanor. He also tells me he doesn't want me to talk when I'm telling him off, or telling him to do something.

We now remove favourite toys for the following day if he's had a big tantrum, but give him the opportunity to earn it back.

So if I ask him to come up for a bath and he has a big (10 minute) screaming and lashing out fit about it he gets his trike taken away. I do eventually get him in the bath and if he is then PERFECTLY behaved until he goes to bed he can earn it back.

Am trying to reward good behaviour but not tolerate bad behaviour. Also we give little treats if he's v good. Such as a chocolate button if he eats all his dinner without a fuss.

I think the tantrums are just an age thing and they are trying to work out their place in the family heirarchy.

Mine puts his hands over his ears if I am telling him off! It drives me crazy.

Bathtime - I remind him that he only has a short amount of time before his TV programme is on and will miss it - that usually works.

Am about to resurrect the sticker chart for getting ready for school in the mornings without having Mummy shout 10 times!