Dd 3 1/2 has had many admissions for croup/ difficulty breathing, and it is looking more and more likely that she will have an asthma diagnosis soon. She has had a cough for over 3 months now since her last admission so I took her to the GP’s 3 weeks ago and they gave us another salbutamol inhaler to use regularly 3 times a day. I can’t say it’s made much difference.
I’m having difficulty managing her tantrums with the barking, wheezing and shortness of breath it causes. I cannot reason with her when she is like this (just as you can’t reason with any 3 year old once they lose the plot!) so struggle to get her to use her inhaler until I’ve cuddled her and calmed her down.
My Dh has been quite vocal that he feels I placate her and give in too easily and should put her in time out to teach her she cannot tantrum, but as I have often told him, I prioritise her breathing at that moment, although I do appreciate this does not help prevent further tantrums.
Firstly, has anyone any suggestions on how better to balance the behaviour with her health needs? And secondly, any resources I can send my Dh so he realises the tantrums are a normal part of being unable to control her emotions rather than naughtiness that needs to be punished? I’m really not a soft touch, quite strict most of the time but I do put her ability to breath above all else!