My 3 year old DS is driving me potty. His behaviour is really challenging at the moment and nothing I do seems to work.
Examples of behaviours over the last week or so that reflect his behaviour in general:
- Not listening to instructions and deliberately doing the opposite e.g. running outside without shoes on, running out of the toilet before I've wiped his bottom.
- telling his Dad and I that he hates us.
- running off and getting lost in a supermarket.
- growling in other children's faces in shops.
- shouting at random adults in public places.
- kicking my bum when I'm crouched down doing something.
- Constant demanding and pestering - wont/can't wait for me to finish what I'm doing (probably pretty normal for his age).
- whining and screaming when he doesn't get his way (again probably fairly normal)
- being grumpy and generally unpleasant when he was taken out for a treat he had previously been looking forward to.
- calling us names (silly things like poo poo face!) Without provocation.
- meal times are a hideous constant battle and I hate them.
He can be lovely and sweet too! I'm sure they don't have these issues at nursery. Only once have they told me he had been pushing his friends that day. He is very popular amongst his peers. When he has my full attention he plays nicely and is very loving. If he has friends to play with he is no bother.
We've just had a baby so perhaps this is an influence but tbh he was a bit like this before.
I try to be calm and firmly tell him no, redirect etc. Sometimes I take something away when he's misbehave e.g. no ice cream for pudding or no tv. When I've been at the end of my tether I've shouted at him loudly and he has laughed and carried on.
Last night I dreamt I was smacking his legs and bum. Have never smacked IRL but the urge is strong!
Help!