Almost 3 yr old has had personality transplant

[lobsters]

I'm not sure what is going on or what to do for the best. DD is almost 3, she used to be a really, happy friendly child who liked talking to everyone, but now I have a moping teenager-to-be. She will never say hello or goodbye to anyone, it's getting quite embarassing, she refuses to join in anything or generally demonstrate anything approaching good manners. DH is getting very upset by it, she keeps saying she doesn't like him. She has had a few bugs recently so I keep wondering if it's linked to that, but it did precede it a bit. Today she was very rude and sulky at a birthday party so she came home early and got put to bed until she said sorry for being rude, but she has fallen asleep.

Any ideas as to why the personality change? And any tips for managing it? It is time to bring in the naughty step or similar?

I have a nearly 4yo DS like that. Went from shy, quiet & thoughtful to non-stop LOUD talking won't listen to me & throws mega-tantrums about stupid things... overnight!!

Is normal ime, 4 kids, still very stressful. Have been looking forward all day to some (hic)

Just wait until your DD is 10yo & throws a mega-sulk because you won't explain to her what a "boner" is (that was last night).

ps: I wouldn't do naughty step for being sulky & unfriendly, naughty step is when they are willfully not listening to you, selfish, destructive, violent, etc. Yours just sounds overwhelmed; bit young to worry about her "good manners".

I have heard the term "threenager" and think there is something in it for some of them!

I also don't think naughty step is the right approach. Whenever DD said she didn't like one of us we'd just laugh or ignore, and didn't take it personally! Their personalities are developing and they're exerting their sense of independence, which is not in itself naughty. Just a bit of a shock after a compliant toddler!