Three year old putting feet on everything

[ihateteatime]

I’m hoping people can reassure me this is just a phase but my three and a half year old is driving me bananas with this.

His feet are everywhere. He pushes them against me if he’s sitting next to me, he puts them on his sister. There’s a toy on the floor and he has to walk on it. At the park last week someone had left a book bag on the grass and he walked over it (mortifying.)

I got really angry with him this afternoon when my ‘no feet thank you!’ reminders were ignored and he kicked his sister again. Is it normal? It just seems such a weird thing to be doing.

It's sensory. New sensations. Each time different I expect. I found the best way is to ignore that kind of behaviour. No point getting angry as he's only 3 and learning so much about life.

I don't think you should ignore him kicking his sister or anyone else tbh. I would give a warning not to do that again please and if he does take him to time out His obviously pushing the boundaries here and will need some consequences for this behaviour !

He's 3, he's old enough now not to kick and realise when he does there are consequences. He wouldn't be allowed to behave like that at nursery.

DD is still doing this at nearly 5, drives us potty!
It’s a bloody long phase.

He doesn’t exactly kick. It’s hard to explain, he puts his feet on something or someone and applies a bit of pressure - not a lot but his sister is just 12 months so doesn’t take much.

It is just irritating. Like before he spilled some yogurt and OK it happens but he then had to put his feet in it and walk around (luckily we have wooden flooring.)

I’m glad others have it too - I was worrying it might be a sensory issue. It just seems so odd!

My 2.5yo is the same! It's definitely sensory seeking/exploring behaviour, a bit 'science experiment'y too. I don't think my DC1 did this particularly. Im sure they will grow out of it. I ignore unless it's dangerous or uncomfortable for someone else or liable to break something etc.