Am I expecting too much?

[colditz]

Ds is just turned 3, he can drink beautifully from a cup, but for the past 2 weeks, every single drink he has had has been spilled. Every single one.

and I am fed up of it! I'm sick of mopping up drinks!

He can't put his shoes on, he can't dress himself. Is this normal (if it is I shall just put up with it) or should I be worried?

Is it a case of he can't or won't?

My dd is three and she can dress herself but goes through phases or 'not' dressing herself iykwim.

Drink spilling looks like its a phase he's going through - why don't you only let him come to the kitchen for a drink?

Fairly normal I'd say - although frustrating for you! Regarding the spilt drinks he probably just needs to get his concentration back as the novelty of drinking from a normal cup has maybe lapsed. I'd try reminding him when you hand it to him to stand or sit still while drinking it and to try and keep the liquid in the cup. It maybe an idea not to over fill it as well.

Lots of encouragement and positive praise when he manages to put items of clothing on etc may encourage him to give it a go. I've two boys and found they were inherently lazy about such things until it was turned into a game - lets see who can get their shoes on first - you or mummy - that kind of thing.

Best of luck - they do get it eventually!

Haven't you had a baby recently Colditz? I only ask because after my ds was born my then nearly 3 year old started doing things like spilling drinks when she's had no problem drinking before and also we had a regression in potty training too. It was a reaction to the change, attention seeking and she was fine after a while.