Discipline with 2 1/2 year old

[gingerbabe]

My 2 1/2 year old has recently started disobeying me, deliberately playing up and testing my patience. I am currently 4 weeks away from giving birth to 2nd child, am hot, stressed and emotional, and am aware that I am not being as patient as I shoud be.

I think I'm probably too much of a soft touch, as my DH seems to have more control over her. Feel like it's all going wrong and I'll have another one to deal with in the next month.

Please someone tell me this is just a phase of asserting her independence and the battles won't last forever.

It's just a phase! Don't give up hope, it will end, it will seem as though every day is as long as a week whilst you're still expecting but once your 2 1/2yr old knows that no means no and the rules are the same regardless then things should even out.

It's just a phase! Don't give up hope, it will end, it will seem as though every day is as long as a week whilst you're still expecting but once your 2 1/2yr old knows that no means no and the rules are the same regardless then things should even out.

It's just a phase! Don't give up hope, it will end, it will seem as though every day is as long as a week whilst you're still expecting but once your 2 1/2yr old knows that no means no and the rules are the same regardless then things should even out.

It's just a phase! Don't give up hope, it will end, it will seem as though every day is as long as a week whilst you're still expecting but once your 2 1/2yr old knows that no means no and the rules are the same regardless then things should even out.

Sorry about that my ds got hold of the mouse!!

Do you think that maybe she's worried that things might change when the baby arrives? The problem with being 2 1/2 is that they can't voice concerns or even tell you why they feel the way they do.

Perhaps lot's of cuddles and praise when she's doing something good ie playing quietly or drawing would help her, even if you wouldn't usually say "I really like it when you sit down and draw me pictures quietly", using positive reinforcment.

I've just thought back and that's what I did with my dd when I was due, she was about the same age!