Mum to a very defiant 3.5 yo DS. He usually has already had a meltdown by 645am and it’s exhausting. This is usually because there’s not enough cereal in his bowl, I haven’t turned the tv on immediately, his spoon isn’t the right spoon. I don’t give in, I stick to my guns when he’s being unreasonable but he get hysterical, stamps his feet and hates me for a few minutes. Usually gives up then all is fine.
This goes on alll day… needs the correct T-shirt on even if it isn’t clean/dry, wants another episode of sonic even though I said just one and suggest another activity, wants to run down the road and not stop at the end.
I know kids are defiant and want their own way but it’s relentless and feels non stop that I am telling him off. I go down to his level, I speak calmly, I tell him why I’m saying this ‘I.e hold my hand as it’s dangerous’, ‘you can’t have that T shirt as it’s not dry.. have this one’ but he gets soo angry, puts his bottom lip out and tells me not to talk to him!! I blamed lack of sleep but it’s been good this last few weeks, blamed nursery or too much sugar but he’s had neither!
I feel like a terrible mother because I don’t enjoy our time together. I’m easily irritated and on edge because I anticipate these outbursts before they happen!
Advice please?!