Will threes really be worse than twos

[User41]

So I’m wondering if threes will really be worse than two or whether my daughter has hit the threeanger stage early? She’s 2 and 10 months and basically I’m praying it isn’t going to get more difficult as I’ve just had a newborn!

In terms of where we’re at now she refuses to do or argues about most basic tasks like getting dressed, teeth, face washing, getting in her car seat. So usually these all involve tantrums, lengthy negotiations sessions bribery or sheer stubbornness in terms of refusing to move. We also have full blown tantrums where she absolutely loses it -tonight was screaming telling daddy to go away because she wanted mum for bed etc. I should say she can also be really lovely company, is hilarious and is also so kind to the new baby. I just wonder if the temper/emotional outburst and lack of cooperative Ed’s will genuinely get worse at 3? I’m kinda hoping we hit that stage early…!!

I think you have to imagine how your mood changes suddenly without any medication! 😳My children were all the same and they are all civilised human beings…it will get better 💕X

Think I was you 8 months ago, now have a 3.5 year old and 8 month old. Toddler definitely more challenging, has really zoned in on needing me more and rejecting Daddy. On the whole v good with baby. Seems to have two modes - complete and utter delight or complete and utter nightmare. Independence super important to her and is making leaps and bounds in physical ability, as well as mentally with counting and literacy etc. She must be bloody exhausted! (But equally can happily stay up far later than ever before)

I'm hoping beyond hope that 4 will be easier!

@Potplant19 ha okay sounds v similar, especially the staying up late part. My daughter doesn’t even nap but often stays up til 9/10pm and is ready to go again at like 6/7am!! We started calling her Maggie Thatcher after the famous quote of her only needing 4 hours sleep to function…

I think it really depends on the child. Our DD is 3 years 2 months. I have found things easier since 2.5.

I found the time between 18 months and just gone 2 the hardest and that's when we had the most tantrums here. My friend has told me she found 3 a really nice age and then 4 harder x

Obviously every child is different, but DC1 got harder and harder from 18 months, and was VERY difficult from 2.5 to 3.5.

But shortly ofter 3.5 things started getting a lot better. Once he could understand a simple reward/ sticker chart, it really helped us work through his behaviour.

Now DC2 is 2, and we're starting all over again 😩

I think it depends on the child.
I loved the pre-school age. They are just so much fun to be around, and so much more rational than pre-verbal kids (DS1 didn't really talk til 2.5).
You could also negioate them not waking us half a dozen times a night, so I was finally getting 5 or 6 straight hours a night - which might be a big influence on my opinions!!!

Our DD started tantrums at 1 not 2, and 2-3 was so hard, constant tantrums, battles etc. 3 onwards has been night and day better. She’s still a toddler, she will still battle, but it’s much easier to reason and communicate with her. Each one is different, but hopefully your tough days are being left behind