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Behaviour/development

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Teaching 3yo difference between behaviour and emotion

2 replies

Smellz714 · 13/07/2024 21:58

I have a head strong 3yo Dd. She has had a handful of massive meltdowns over the last couple of months (all because things haven't planned out how she imagined - sort of like not getting her own way)- I think her tantrums fall within the realms of normal for her age and development so not overly concerned. What I don't like is, once she's snapped out of an episode she'll tell me she's going to be a "good girl" and "not cry or be sad again". I've tried to tell her that she can cry, she can be sad - it's the behaviour we don't want - the hitting, pulling, pushing, throwing herself on the floor etc. Is it possible to teach her at such a young age to know the difference? I try to keep language neutral during a meltdown but will ask her to calm down, to relax. I've probably said stuff like "you can't be like this here" or something like that (meltdown outside by main road) - avoided saying she's bad or naughty.

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RappersNeedChapstick · 14/07/2024 08:08

I just kept emphasising, like you that it was the behaviour not the child.

Do you think someone who cares for her is giving her a different message?

A Mighty Girl recommends these resources for helping girls with anger. Some of the books are for older DC but there's plenty that are age appropriate and some of them should be in your local library Wink

I would say that she's getting a bit old for hitting, pulling and pushing. This article from Dr Sears might help to curb the unwanted behaviour.

Is she in any form of Childcare? Is she hitting there too?

Smellz714 · 14/07/2024 10:24

Thanks for the links, I'll take a look. She directs her physical stuff towards me and has only done it since her four month old brother was born. Nursery and grandparents say she's perfectly behaved for them, just a bit bossy - everyone says she knows her own mind. She seems to not know what to do with herself when she gets angry and frustrated, like the surge is going through her body and she has to get it out - despite being very articulate, she can't use her words well during a meltdown. I think Dad is a bit clumsy with his language so she may be getting mixed messages there.

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