It's been one of those days

[chocolatemummy]

daughter, just turned 5, absolute nightmare.....not much more I can say today I am exhausted. I come on here from time to time when I am at my wits end and today (the last few days actually) are one those times.
-Does not listen
-wants everything her own way or EVERYONES lives are a misery
-totally unable to cope when we have visitors-I cant talk even on the phone without her doing her upmost to ruin it and get my attention

It takes a lot of false starts to change the dynamic, and they will go on using their old techniques. At that age they don't really know what they want in terms of toys, possessions, activities all they know is that they want YOU and your attention. So I suppose what I've been working on with my dd is to show her that she HAS my attention. I'm thinking of her as I turn out the light and walk down the corridor, and saying goodnight (this was earlier, not now!!! and that time doesn't have to be divided into my time and time with her...It's all time when she is in my thoughts. It's difficult to explain - I suppose it's the little gestures of courtesy to dd, allowing for minor interruptions that then don't turn into major attention seeking tantrums. And setting boundaries firmly but kindly just like you did in the shop, although you may have thought you should have given in for a quiet life. I think saying no is beginning to pay off in our household, and she is beginning to appreciate the value of yes. She knows where she is and that NO doesn't mean the end of attention, and that NO isn't a punishment or a rebuke or because you are cross with her(even if you are!) But it doesn't happen overnight, after all she's only little.