Panicking about why DS is behaving the way he is

[iluvgingerkids]

Hi there, this is my first post.

My DS is nearly 4 (April) and can be so delightful but is currently just so cheeky and rude, shouting, stamping his feet, kicking, refusing to do anything we ask him to do.

I work full time, he has been full time in the same nursery from 6 mths and is very happy there. But when he goes through one of these phases (and I think that's all it is....) I am crushed with guilt, worrying that I am not getting whatever the underlying problem is.

Last Sat we got rid of his night-time dummy, and he has been a bit fragile at night, but generally brilliant about it. It's the last baby thing to go, so I have beeen wondering if his behaviour is an insecurity thing? Or am I just overanalysing (a definite possibility....) but he is pretty sensitive, so I think there is something underlying the way he is behaving.

Sorry if this is too long, but anyone who has any similar experiences, would be great to hear from you.

thanks

It sounds like a combination of losing his dummy, and tiredness. If he is a bit fragile at night, he might be losing some sleep. Also, if he is growing, he needs more sleep and more food. Often, at this age when they are growing, they are too tired to eat enough, so you have to review his bedtime and meal times.

How is he at nursery? Have they noticed any difference?

Is there anything else going on in the background that he might be picking up on? Even the smallest thing can be a big deal to a child.

My 4 year old ds has phases like this too - I think it is simply 4 year old behaviour tbh. We have a 1 year old dd too and I think much of his behaviour is related to being not a baby anymore but not quite mature enough to handle emotions etc. Often related to being tired (not always lack of sleep but if we have been particularly busy) he is also a complete nightmare if he needs a poo (boy thing I think)but we just deal with any naughty behaviour the same as usual.

I think you've both hit the nail on the head. Nursery say he is fine there, but at a recent parents night they said he was ahead for most things but still emotionally immature (a boy thing I think?) so I guess a bit of careful handling till the dummy thing settles. He might not be sleeping as soundly as usual and G*d knows I am a grumpy cow when I don't.... I am a control freak too and always want to sort things, I should just chill a bit, that might help too!

thanks for the advice