Struggling with 3 year old

[Strugglingwith3]

Please help, I feel like I’m losing my mind and my patience.

my child turned 3 a few months ago. They used to be lovely, sweet, playful and kind. I loved the 2-3 stage. Now they are 3, they have started nursery and whilst they love it, they have turned in to someone I don’t recognise and I’m struggling to like to be honest.

They are so rude and cheeky and I rarely see the sweet child I raised anymore. I know kids will start to challenge boundaries but this just seems so sudden and to be honest I’m struggling with how to deal with the behaviour.

Can I ask for advice on how to cope with it and discipline in the right way. Everything I’ve tried so far hasn’t worked and I feel like I’m on the verge of breaking down. I feel emotionally drained.

It's normal and even good. I worry about the ones who aren't 'cheeky' (I work with this age)! However, don't label it is 'cheeky' - it's either rude, defiant, disrespectful - in particular shouting 'no'.

I would point out the behaviour in a cross voice eg. "It is rude to speak to someone like that" and if the same behaviour continues then have a short serious chat. If it is hitting then explain it's not OK to hit and you need to use words to say something eg. "Can I have it?" If behaviour continues then I would give time out/ removal of treat. Lots and lots of love and fun in between when they are doing desirable behaviour. Kids love boundaries but they need to know what they are and that there is a consequence. They also need a strong bond with you. Reward the good behaviour and don't just ignore the bad behaviour.