Finding 2y9m ds very hard work at the moment

[ANiceSitDownAndACuppa]

I'm 90% sure it's all normal but I feel like I'm not dealing with his behaviour very well at the moment and letting him down. He's a very boisterous and strong-willed child, has well-developed language and seemingly an answer for everything. If I ask him to do something (and it feels like I spend my whole day asking him to do things...) he will either completely ignore me, do the opposite or give me a long list of reasons why he can't. I just want him to bloody do it when I ask for once! I know he's small, but it's driving me bonkers.

I also have 10mo ds2 who is revelling in his new ability to crawl, and ds1 takes great delight in sitting on him and generally roughing him about. I think every other word I say is "gently". It's not done maliciously but we have lots of tears from poor ds2.

Ds1 has had a lot going on lately, including potty training and moving to a big bed. But sigh, I guess I just thought the strops might be getting better as we approach 3 years old, we've had them since 13 months ffs. And I wish I could control my temper a bit better - I always imagined I would be the sort of mum to get down to my child's level, talk things through with them, help them learn good behaviour through example rather than instruction, blah blah. When I do those things he doesn't respond. It's just not working at the moment.

Sorry, this turned into a moan. Not sure what I'm after really. Anyone in the same boat?

Thank you, I know it all comes with the territory and it could be worse but it's so frustrating. I ended up yelling at them both this evening when it really was no worse than usual, it's just cos I've had them all day and all our usual activities have been cancelled for the bastard school holidays. DH is working away tomorrow so more of the same but I'm going to really try not to get cross. And, breathe.

Ah you are not alone ds is just 3, and I am tearing my hair out although I think dare I say it he may have got marginally better.

Today I've climbing the stairs by hanging on the banisters, glue all over the dining room walls, milk pulled out if the fridge and dropped all over the floor, watering the garden of his own accord which involved soaking all the neatly folded dry washing and the balance bike indoors.

I agree you literally cannot take your eyes off them for a second!

at this age you can begin to reason if he doesn't respond to your request tell him you wont be doing??? feeding the ducks or what ever you might have said no ice lolly etc BUT you must stick to it and not give in. Really they are flexing their muscles, but obviously can only be allowed to do so within reason at that age. good luck.

I think most children go through this at some stage. I'm having problems with my 4 year old son who has taken a liking into copying everything my 7 year old son does. Which wouldn't be so bad, except 7 year old has ADHD and slight autism, so you can imagine the behaviour and attitude i get from him. But to get it from 2 out of 3 of my kids?!?!? Well...! I don't know what to do with my 4 year old as I try not to yell at my eldest because I know most of his behaviour isn't his fault, but then my 4 year old thinks he can get away with it too.