Terrible Threes

[lobsters]

DD is 3 and a quarter, normally relatively well behaved, if determined. In the last week she's had the most incredible tantrums. I've no idea what's going on, using something like the naughty step isn't working, she's also been more tired than usual. Any ideas what we can do to help or cope?

Maybe she is/was coming down with something? Or maybe it's just one of those delightful phases?
DD is the same age and she can be very stubborn and has a tendency to whine and scream when something doesn't go her way, but the full on tantrums are rare now, maybe one a month.
I would think that the best strategy would be the same as with a 2yo, distract and if it doesn't work, ignore, ignore, ignore.

I wondered if she was coming down with something, but I would have expected to see it by now

I'm experiencing the same thing OP. ds at two was no problem. Since his third birthday he seems to have become a little monster at times. Had a full on screaming tantrum a few days ago in a supermarket. He is quite tall and strong for his age too and I have a 7 month DD. It's hard work at the moment. I'm trying not to shout back and speak calmly but it's difficult not to lose it!

3 is definitely a worse age than 2. That said, her being tired as well isn't going to help. How is she sleeping at night?

It's taking a lot longer than usual to get to sleep, she tries every trick in the book to stay up. She gets up after 7, and this mornin at 8.30, but is still tired in the day and having a nap, which she had dropped

In our house we definitely have the terrible threes rather than the terrible two's, at this age i put it down to growing/new teeth coming through. So made sure my son was eating enough types of food that should ease this process and put him to bed earlier - he got through it and is now a well behaved 4 year old.

Three is tricky, they have found their voice and are not afraid to use it. She will come out of this but probably nearer to four.