Nightmare holiday with 3yo DS

[Aperolspritzers]

Currently on our first family holiday with DS (3) and DD (1). DS has taken the change in routine and new location really badly. Constant meltdowns, very, very naughty, keeps running away from us - in the dining hall, in the street onto the road, around the marina. Everyday is a battle to keep him to listen to us and do simple things as let us dress him - we eventually will get to then he’ll take his clothes off. It takes us hours to get out in the morning. At times he can have a vacant expression when we try to talk to him. Hardly eating a bite just wants ice lollies. Totally obsessed with slot machine rides and the iPad which were reducing screen time daily. He’s being aggressive to his sister too. Is this behaviour normal because of change in routine? Is the change in location to his home and the heat bringing out this reaction in him?

At home he’s totally fine in nursery 4 days a week, struggle sometimes going in in the mornings, but otherwise no issues. I’m so worried, I see other little boys having a great time and in the pool and behaving at the dinner table but my own is leaving us heartbroken. This reaction is extreme. We saved a long time and all badly needed this break but I feel my little one is really unhappy or possible ND signs?

get rid of the iPad / hide or whatever - ours are only allowed on planes and long train journeys ! Otherwise locked away (5&2 year old)

5 year old used to be obsessed with it and now she’s not mentioned it in about 6 months

2 year old has only ever seen one on a plane ride twice

I’ve no issues with the main tv I find it doesn’t have the same affect as a small screen

other than that just relax a bit - what’s the drama about getting dressed for - it’s a holiday if he doesn’t want to get dressed quickly then just leave it have a lazy morning in the house and do what he wants for a bit then ease into getting dressed and out

we had a holiday I remember with our 2 year old years ago and we finally relaxed after trying to do loads and it got way better - line we just took turns going out and having a break - if she wanted to play in the house fine

if dinner out was seeming too much of a mission we’d pick up a take away and have it at home, get her in bed and we’d sit on our balcony having drinks in peace and quiet

now we’ve 2 kids we tend to decide and conquer quite a bit - taking turns doing things with older one 🤷‍♀️

Also if he doesn’t want to eat just leave it hel
be hungry eventually

It’s normal at 3. If it persists into school age, then I would think of them as signs of ND.

It is the change of routine, place, food, everything. They don’t have their bedroom, their toys, their friends, it’s all gone.

We would mimic the routine as much as possible and on a few holidays one suitcase was toys so the hotel or villa would have things they know and took comfort from. Some mornings we took them out in their PJs. Some mornings we stayed in and went out in the afternoon. We would also make sure to do something they enjoyed at least once a day. For example, if the resort has a playground or water park and they enjoyed it we would go back. This one holiday in Greece I recall we would have a nap after lunch, then go swimming, then dinner and then the playground. The kids also liked resorts with kids clubs and kids entertainment in the evening. Something to think about for future holidays when he is school age.

I’m another that thinks this isn’t normal for a 3-year-old, and not a reasonable reaction to a change in routine. It sounds like there’s something going on, either he’s unwell or he’s struggling with something.

See if he returns to normal when you get home and look at your options for investigating his behaviours if it doesn’t resolve.

At that age (and younger, we did holidays from 6 months) we did all inclusive hotels. So no real getting dressed in the morning, just swim stuff, then day by the pool. Tire them out, nap on sunlounger/in pushchair so parents get some peace and quiet, lunch then repeat in the afternoon

Thank you so much to everyone for taking the time to respond to me. The last few days we have turned a corner and his behaviour has dramatically improved. iPad away and 2hr lunchtime naps definitely have helped. He’s more chilled and no meltdowns! I think it’s been a combination of everything, but will continue to keep a close eye on things as we go back to nursery and home routines. Thanks again

My 3 were ok on holidays at that age as long as they were eating and sleeping well.
They didn't like being out all day so would go back to appartment to colour or something similar.
At 3 they were still in buggy so would often fall asleep on long walks.
If they got overwhelmed they were a nightmare

Do you really need an ipad for a 3 year old on holiday? Sorry but I am old and out of touch and just cannot understand it.
But sympathies, I do remember having to 'sit' on one of my very young DC (many years ago) to get sun cream onto them.