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Very tearful 3.3 year old. Sorry LONG

5 replies

Gapants · 16/01/2012 13:31

My DS has changed! He used to be quite resilient and not turn to tears easily. He is pretty average in most developmental ways- sometimes can share/turn take, sometimes not, likes to run about, parallel plays with peers, sometimes plays a role play type game with peers. He is usually easily persuaded and can be distracted out of a strop quick quickly.

DH and I have noticed that very minor things are reducing him to sobbing. Not just a tear, but a sob! Could be that he thinks we have shouted at him, he falls over, he can't get his pants up, he is going to the loo then decides he wants me to be there. Little things that would never get such a reaction he is just not dealing with at all.

He has just started pre-school- says he likes it, always wants to go, his key worker says he has settled in beautifully. We are having a mtg on Tuesday though so I can talk to her about this.

He has a 3m old baby sister. He likes her, kisses her etc. She is an easy baby, so I am not tied up feeding, rocking, shhhing her etc.

So.......what can I do to help him, and someone please tell me that this is normal! I want to help him deal with his emotions, but also I don't want to indulge him, especially when the tears are unwarranted.

Thanks for reading!

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Kendodd · 16/01/2012 14:02

I wonder if this is just one of those things he has to grow out of?

My DD when though a bit of a phase like this and it just stopped as suddenly as it started. I suppose he has had a bit of upheaval recently so may just be a little unsettled. This was the case with my DD anyway. Sorry I can't offer better advice.

mrspepperpotty · 16/01/2012 14:03

Sounds like there is a lot going on in his life at the moment - new baby and new pre-school. I haven't dealt with this particular issue, but I have certainly had similar reactions to this kind of upheaval (potty regression, disturbed sleep), even in toddlers who love their sibling and their pre-school. All very normal! Be kind to him :)

Gapants · 16/01/2012 15:48

Yes we are being kind, trying to help him work out his feelings and not everything needs to be the end of the world. I know I need to be more patient though. Thank you.

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sleepymum50 · 16/01/2012 16:20

I had this with my DD about this age. It was only later when she had changed nursery that I realised that this was the reason. It could be that he is finding nursery harder to deal with than you think. Even if it is lovely, and he seems to be enjoying it, it could be just stressing him - and its only at home he can truly let his feelings out. I personally would ask them to keep any eye on them in nursery and go really gentle with him at home. Lots of cuddles and kisses.

Gapants · 16/01/2012 19:27

sleepy thanks, what you say makes sense.

I feel shit though, he hit me at bedtime, was warned and told off, then he kicked me and laughed about it. I sent him to bed with no stories. I need some help on how to help him.

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