Please help- horrible tantrum in the morning

[alwayslosing]

So my 3.5 year old woke up this morning already grumpy. He complained that it's too bright and he kept his eyes closed for quite a while.

Then it was time to get ready for nursery he started screaming like something was hurting him. He was shouting that he doesn't want to go. He was also pointing towards his stomach and saying it hurts him a little bit.

I managed to get him ready and dressed.
When it was time to go to the car the screaming worsened and the kicking and fighting started. I barely managed to put his shoes on.

I called work and explained and I decided to keep him at home today.

My husband said I was wrong and that I should have taken him by force to preschool and that now DS knows how to play me.

But the thing is, I've never been in this situation before and I just didn't want to force him in his car seat while he was kicking me and screaming his head off. Have I made a mistake? It was the worst feeling ever. I hated seeing him so sad and upset.

He is now chilling on the sofa and I gave him Calpol too.

With the light aversion, waking grumpy and stomach ache (according to my GP young children's headaches etc often manifest as stomach pain), I also would have kept him home and monitored him, checked his temp, given him pain meds and made sure he had plenty of opportunities to nap and drink.
I think you did the right thing.

I know that this may sound harsh but unless you genuinely believe that your ds was to sick to go to nursery your husband is correct.
I know that its hard having to deal with tantrums but you have to be consistently firm with them otherwise you will only make a rod for your own back

I think you did the right thing. Could be coming down with something, may just need a day of rest but as you where in a position to stay home then do so

It sounds like he’s unwell; my DD can play up about going to nursery but it’s quite obvious that she’s fine and just doesn’t want to get ready. If it becomes a regular thing then yes make him go but if this is a one off then I think you’re right.

Thank you everyone.
It's the first time he's ever screamed this way. It looked like it was a combination of being overtired and stomach pain.
He seems fine now but I did give him Calpol.
He's back to his old self. I told him we should go to preschool now and he said no I don't want to go.
I've never felt so unsure 😐

I told him we should go to preschool now and he said no I don't want to go

Dont let him dictate to you. If you think hes well and feeling fine and you need him to go to pre-school, he should go.

Check his temp though, they'll just send him straight home again if it raised!

He might not be physically ill, but I think that the phrase 'all behaviour is communication' has some merit with small children. Have you tried asking why he doesn't want to go? It might be a reason that sounds trivial to adults, but it might be really important to him. Maybe you could do some she appropriate problem solving about the issue, and by that I don't mean giving in.

Sorry - that should read 'age appropriate'

Yes I asked him. He didn't really give me an answer.
I now realise that he wasn't very well this morning. I have him Calpol which calmed him down and he's been very lethargic and has fallen asleep in the end.
He's now napping.

I hope he wakes up in a good mood and feeling better.

Thank you so much. I hope so too. X

I would keep him home but keep the day very boring - hes ill after all . And if he is really coming down with something it would be best anyway.

But to be honest thats exactly how mine would act when he WAS coming down with something so you probably did the right thing

I would keep him home but keep the day very boring - hes ill after all wink . Always been my approach too