What are appropriate sanctions for a *very* sensitive 3yo?

[phdlife]

We're getting toy throwing (yeah I know, take it away), thumping his little sister because he's mad at me, lots of screaming and yelling, ummm I can't think of what else atm (it's late, I'm tired). Getting down, making eye contact, telling him that's not acceptable and why, isn't working. (Unless I'm meant to just keep doing that...?)

He was briefly lost in a shop about 10 days ago and has been having nightmares and sleep massive daytime separation anxiety issues ever since. When I go to the loo, for example. Or the back patio. So a quiet corner isn't really an option, unless me and dd sit in there too which I think may defeat the purpose (please correct me if I'm wrong!)

Plus? I've also got a miserable teething 1yo, so I'm very fucking tired atm. Go gentle. tia.

Yes to the keep getting down to his level and telling him no.

In instances where he hurts someone else make a HUGE deal of them and ignore him.

If he throws a toy take it away and he has to earn it back.

Ignore screaming etc - hard I know but just dont react AT ALL.

Ive never used the naughty step and hopefully I wont need to (never say never!)

Has all this been going on just since he was lost?

I think you need to sit down and really talk to him about why he got lost - ie did he run off, did you let go of his hand or whatever and give him a solution so you can say it wont happen again. Also explain that he can always talk to (insert person like store supervisor, in uniform, policeman etc here) if he is worried and cant see you.

thanks, waitingforbedtime

no, he turned 3 two months ago and it was like opening a great big can of toddler that we just hadn't had before. But worse since he got lost, because now he's freaking out more easily. more tired, due to sleep issues.

getting lost was 100% my fault - brain snap (see tiredness, above), he said he'd be playing in a corner and I wandered off for 5 mins . don't exactly know how I can promise him that won't happen again though