Behaviour at home vs out - 3yo

[Bluesclue]

Interested if this is normal/common 3yo behaviour

My 3yo is generally really well behaved out and about - classes, soft play, parks, cafes etc, she will listen and cooperate, is friendly and happily engaged and the loveliest company, aside usual 3yo quibbles from time to time if tired/hungry. People will comment that she is a sweet girl.

At home it's often the opposite! It can be such hard work - constant whinging, snatching, stroppy, shouting. I don't think the people who comment when out and about would think it's the same child!

Is this just a thing?!

It was a thing for DS1, in hindsight I think he was a bit frustrated when we were at home as I was always so distracted and not paying attention to him whereas when we were out he had my full attention.

It's just normal. Everyone is at their worst at home. Kids even more so.

It, saying that, I would also try and help her by checking she's not over-scheduled.

People seem to make 3 year olds do LOADS like.. nursery til 3, then baby ballet and home for dinner, then oh, let's all go to the park! And then the next day is Saturday, quick, off to baby gym, out for lunch with friends and soft play, then pop in to Nan's for tea with the cousins.

They need to just be at home lots and pottering and playing.

I did wonder if it might be something to do with this. She does get 1:1 time at home but inevitably we are more distracted. But equally is at an age where I have to start to say - I'm doing 'X' job, I can come and do 'Y' with you in 5 minutes or whatever? Does it just improve with age?! She has a younger brother too, for context

That last post in reference to being frustrated due to lack of attention perhaps

I'd love to stay at home more pottering and playing but everyone just gets more annoyed with each other so we often try and just get out!

Yes mine! And I'm a SAHM so mine gets lots of time at home pottering & playing. It's hard. I dont know what the answer is other than time!

DS1 is identical to this. He’s a model child out and about. He’s an absolute dream to take out and I can take him to places I want to go as he’s just so happy seeing and experiencing things. However, after an hour at home he’s wild and destructive or whingy and demanding. I hope it passes but to be honest DH and I both love doing things and seeing places so I expect he’ll always be this way to an extent!

Well, yes, she probably just wants your attention.

Try and find time at home to spend with just her leading play. No distractions,no jobs, no baby duty etc.

It's normal to save your worst behaviour for being at home. Everyone does this, even adults! Obviously her 'worst' behaviour will get better as she gets older (hopefully!).

It's also the case that some people just love being out and about and struggle being at home. For other people it's the opposite.

So I'd say it's probably half personality and half age.