3 year old testing us?

[dadof2ni]

Hi

I'm new to this forum, thought I would seek some advice from you lovely parents.

We have a delightful 3 year old daughter, bright, funny, beautiful, high spirited, and strong willed.

When she is good, she is very, very good. And after the terrible twos we went through a wee golden period with very few issues really and mostly good behaviour. And just when you then think 'ha, remember the terrible twos, they're long gone', along comes more tantrums, meltdowns and bad behaviour.

I am seeking advice because we both think we need to get a bit stricter, with bedtime routines, getting her to learn that she can't always get what she wants, and that we won't always give in to moaning and gurny behaviour. Its easier said than done I know, but I think we both realise that for her own sake we need to try and be that bit stricter.

Like when it comes to brushing her teeth, she is in great form, laughing along with us, and then refuses to brush them, and we give her the ultimatum, if you don't brush your teeth its straight to bed, and of course she doesn't give in and it does all end in tears. Its sometimes easier to say, ok you win, and let her watch Peppa, but last night we didn't, we were firm, she went to bed crying, but we got her settled down, read her a bedtime story, and she went to sleep ok. I just wonder is there a smarter way to do it rather than laying it on the line and making it a battle of wills (and boy is she strong willed!!) Its not easy though this parenting lark, but wouldn't change it for the world!!!

Thanks for listening!! :-)

We have a similar situation with our son, some nights he will go along with things i.e. Brush his teeth... toilet... x2 stories.....he will settle... but we walk down the stairs and we hear the stair gate click open and he is on the landing and making his way down the stairs... he will start to make demands like need a drink... turn the light on! But we put him back to bed and 5 mins later he is at it again... it's really exhausting. We have taken to closing his bedroom door.... which he hates and will have a temper tantrum... might even throw all his books at the door in retaliation. My husband finds it easier to bend to his demands.... whereas I don't have the patience sometimes and will close the door. It's horrible as he gets so so upset.... I find it emotionally draining! He is so determined and strong willed! I feel your pain.