I USED TO HAVE A NICE 3.5 YR OLD.....

[CaptainCaveman]

But he seems to have turned into a looney! Normally fairly easy going, has spent the best part of the last 2 weeks being cheeky, rude and generally hyper - ending up in tougher than usual discipline to make him understand his behaviour is not acceptable.

I'm assuming its because we've been on holiday with mum & dad, and that with 4 adults to pander to him it's the lack of usual routine thats causing it.

Anyone else experience anything similar, or anything like this at the same age?

oh yes they like to push theiur boudaries at around this agae - forget the terribel 2's tirescome 3's are worst. Stick with it they grow out of it by around 4.

Our DCs are always terrible after holiday with Granny and Granddad. They get used to having loads of attention and Granny letting them do what they want. It takes a week or so before they settle back down.

Saying that, DS is now 3.4 years and has been getting more difficult to control in the past weeks. Hope it is just a phase.

I have one of those atm. I'm putting it down to starting at nursery 5 sessions a week. He's is suddenly uncontorlable, violent (but also, strangely, more loving and cuddly...)

Agree that they get 'worse' at 3 instead of 2. tantrum wise.

ds had a phase of terrible tantrums at that age.

But he had also started nursery and that could have had something to do with it.

They are stronger and can go on for longer

It does pass though.

Be consistent with whatever method you choose. We did the naughty/thinking mat.

You and me both, CCM! I was wondering about testosterone surges earlier, watching ds (same age as yours) tearing around, play-wrestling with another boy at church, defying us in a way he never has before, laughing when we tell him off etc. He's suddenly much more boisterous!

Is it poss that boys have a testosterone surge around this age?

I have heard that in RL and on MN before rosylea. I think it was some truth in it.

thanks for your replies - he's a right little monkey!
Nursery also suggest that the 'explosion' in their language skills may also have something to do with it - ie the answering back, cheekiness etc.

Agree - consistency of approach is how we are tackling it. Phew, hard work though!!