reception age dd: behavior deterioration since christmas - anyone else with me on this?

[munchkinmum]

In brief: dd 4.9, an angel at school and doing really well. However, over last 2 weeks has been especially rude, disobedient, obstinate and argumentative. I feel she is testing us and seeing how far she can push us, kind of like a power struggle.

Doing the usual: time out, taking away treats and toys, calm reasoning, sticker charts, etc. However, starting to really lose temper and finding this really draining.

Suppose I am just looking for support - anyone else experiencing this? Is it a common consequence of their newly-found independence?

Cheers!

Thanks for that, although I must be going mad as I read your comment first as 'I give them a smack as soon as they come in' - LOL! I understand a lot of what you say, and finds your comments reassuring. Although she kicks off before we even get home... maybe I will bring a snack to the school gate? Maybe this will help?

Ooooh my dd is EXACTLY the same, has always been an angel and still is very good at school (have spoken to her teacher) but since going back after xmas has been a complete nightmare exactly as you describe, definately seeing how far she can go and i am at the end of my tether with her. She is 5 on Monday.

my dd's the same - I think the novelty has worn off, christmas is over and nothing else to look forward to - summer still a long way off. And they've up the ante a bit in terms of expectations of work etc so I think my dd is just a bit fed up all round - she's veering madly from being very nice to really crazy wild behaviour, especially at bedtime, hard work.

Mine is exactly the same except we get this in the morning. Each day it is a power struggle to get her ready and it always ends in tears over the most silliest of things. Have put it down to starting reception but did wonder if she was just being naughty. Glad to know we are not the only ones. LOL at give a smack/snack

same here!! DS is 4.6, spoke to the teacher as I was getting worried about his behaviour at home, but he's very good and a comedian at school, just saves all the naughtiness for home! and finds any excuse to delay bedtime, and then in the morning he's normally in tears before we even get to his coat! same when I pick him up, all the way home it's "I'm hungry/thirsty/tired/want to play... just physically and mentally exhausting, especially when there's a 4mo to take care of too. glad it's not just him...

My dc4 was 5 last month. Goes with the territory but will pass

Snap re difficult whiny behaviour, boundary pushing and general allround hard work...

TGI Friday and there's no school run tomorrow ! (though he'll be around all weekend...)

I know what you mean - friday for me is 'don't have to make packed lunches night'. Sad but true. I really must get a life!

fish oils, iron tonic, sleep. Repeat when needed (sigh).

munchkin, how on earth do you get your DC home from school without a snack? Mine needs instant food the minute he sees me or it's the end of the world..

I had a thread about this yesterday
have a look for suggestion, you're not alone!

...and smee gave me some lovely advice x

You can add my quarrlesome/teary/hyper reception ds to this list. Unfortunately these adjectives can also be applied to dd (terrible twos) - it's bedlam!

Smee, we live 4 mins walk away so have always left it until we arrive home... wuill take something with me now.