DD almost 3, behaviour getting worse and DC2 due in a few weeks...HELP

[titferbrains]

DD very cranky and rude atm, crying and screaming if she doesn't get her own way, not saying please very often unless prompted, wanting to only watch tv, and saying that she "doesn't like" pretty much anything else I suggest. She has a short attention span but a lot of energy.

Do I just let her watch endless films till baby comes and deal with behaviour later? She will be back at nursery in Sept, 3 mornings a week, and I think I'll try to find her a ballet or swimming class if poss to start in Sept also. Am pretty low on energy so we are mostly going to park in afternoon. Not many friends around as they are all on hols...

This is sounding a bit more like the 3 I know. People 'advocate' the terrible twos but I found late 2 early 3 more challenging in many ways. It can be such a strain but just try to be consistent, if you let your guard down you'll have a greater 'mountain' to climb later (when you'll be shattered from a new baby and be putting it off again...)

Don't over do the television if you can. Use tv as a reward, play nicely for an hour etc. and then you can watch X.

I'm in the same boat, so many people away and it's just me and pregnant DD. No, that's not right, it's just pregnant me and DD!

thanks, any other tips for coping or discipline or distraction??

Hi
My son is was 3 in June and I am expecting our 2nd in 3 weeks - his behaviour is appaling at the moment and I simply don't have the energy to deal with it, so th TV is on quite a bit - if we're in, its on. Even when I sit down with him and to read or play a game it usually ends in him throwing things across the room and sometimes I just don' have the energy to deal with that! I wouldn't beat your self up about using the TV a little more than usual - the behaviour will be just a phase and its important to get through it with as much sanity in tact as possible! Good luck.....

HDL thanks for posting, it really is a joyous time eh? DD seems to have entered a delightful phase where she speaks to everyone as if she is cross with them - about anything at all. So I am trying to use my "cross" voice less, and am being very silly/over the top instead, which seems to diffuse things slightly. I am also trying to bore her into submission, when she whines for something I give quite long answers as to why she can't have it and occasionally she gives up listening or gazes into space and stops the whinge.

I am defo using tv to get things done, eg tidying and laundry in morning, after lunch to rest/mn/tidy, and after supper while I'm getting things ready for DH and my supper. Really pushing myself to get to the playground most days so I am at least out and on the move, and she gets a bit more tired out.

I also picked up a hideous pink piano at Mothercare the other day, she is delighted with it, and it was half price so I didn't feel it was too over the top as a random gift. I am finding that being pg makes me want to spoil her!!

we must be due around same time, I'll look out for you to see how you're getting on with your newborn

DD1 was only 2.3 when I had DD2 (but she is a terrible 'threenager' now). I know that you think that it's hard work now, but if you give in to her all the time it will just get harder to get her back on the straight and narrow. I found that when I had my baby I was up all night and even tireder than I was when I was pregnant, and there were a whole lot of jealousy things to deal with.

Choose what's important to you, and just work at that. Take her to as many things as you can - In Manchester the Art Gallery is doing great stuff for small kids, so look in unusual places for things to do, and really enjoy your one to one time while you can.