DS crying if he doesn't get what he wants.

[Ambrosius]

He's nearly 3 and has recently started crying at everything. Its driving me up the wall. Whenever he is told no or asked to do something (like put his shoes on) he bursts into tears. Its so frustrating, especially when he is spoiling things for himself, for example 'ds lets put your shoes on and then we'll go to the park' results in tears and curling up on the floor because he doesn't want to put his shoes on. Even though he's been badgering me all morning to go to the park.
I'm at a loss. Please help me!

Watching with interest as my 2 year old has just started doing this. He doesn't just cry though, he sobs and lays down flat face down on the floor.....

Yes, ds is absolutely inconsolable! Completely hysterical.

I wish I could tell you some magic formula but I'm afraid most children do this at some point. All you can really do is explain to him that this behaviour is nit acceptable and that crying does not get you anywhere. If my dcs do this I simply tell them that for example because they are lying on the floor I assume they must be tired and must go to bed instead of going to the park. The key is to not let on that you are stressed by it so just pretend that you don't care if they put their shoes on etc. "oh dc what a shame you aren't putting your shoes on as we won't be going to the park without shoes. You must be very tired as you are lying on the floor. Oh well perhaps you should go to bed then. Nevermind"

This generally works. Of course if you do actually need to go somewhere you should just put his shoes on him and just ignore the tantrum. Pick your battles and all that.

Btw I'm not saying that this will work for you but hey, its worth a try

Thanks Ace, thats pretty much what we're doing. It doesn't seem to been working yet!
Also he's a big lad so making him do anything is difficult.

Give him a warning, don't just announce that he has to stop what he is doing to get ready. 'We're going to the park in 10 minutes, you need to finish what you are doing soon' then 'we're going to the park in 5 mins' Also give him choices 'We're going to the park. Do you want to wear your trainers or your wellies?'