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3yo bedtime tantrum

4 replies

TinyTeachr · 23/07/2024 21:11

One of my boys is throwing a bit of an epic tantrum this evening and I'm not sure where to go from here.....

We were about to come upstairs for stories when he stubbed his toe fairly badly. I was holding the baby and he wanted to be picked up. I can sometimes carry both, but didn't feel safe trying to pick him up while already on the stairs, so I said I'd put the baby down upstairs and come back for him. This has triggered a massive screaming fit....

Carried him up to his room (lots of thrashing and asked him to pick a story (usually the boys pick one each). He just kept screaming "no stories". His brother chose one so I tried to start reading, but he just kept trying to pull the book off me. I suggested he should lie down and not listen. In the end I told him he would have to wait in his big sister's room (she's away withDH at the moment). He wouldn't stop screaming and fighting so I popped him into his sister's bed with some toys and shut the door (not locked, he knows this). Read a 5 minute story to his brother and came to get him and tell him the story was finished.

He won't stop screaming. I tried to continue routine and ignore the screams, so I ticked him into bed and sang his favourite lullaby. I asked him if there's anything he'd like. No sign of calming down so I've said I'll come back and give him a cuddle if has quiet once the baby is asleep. I'm rocking her as I type. He's still screaming,but a bit less.

Options? Suggestions? He shares a room with his brother, who has been good and really wants to go to sleep. It's getting late.

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SnugglyJumpersMakeItBetter · 23/07/2024 21:16

I'd give him another 5 minutes to calm down but if he doesn't, I'd take him outside in the garden. Just go and sit out of doors with him wrapped in a blanket and let him scream while you hold him and talk very softly about what you can see. It's usually a bit of a magic trick. He's maybe overtired?

TinyTeachr · 23/07/2024 21:21

Ill try that maybe. Depends on how settled his brother is. Also got to put the baby down first, and she's fidgetty and over tired because of shenanigans.... I could do with having another adult here tonight!

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Kayleigh01 · 23/07/2024 21:28

I would go in to his room, not say anything and give him a cuddle. It sounds like he's probably feeling a little bit jealous and frustrated that he couldn't have your full attention at that exact moment. He's now likely very tired and can't calm himself down effectively. Pop the baby down to bed first so there are no interruptions whilst you're trying to settle him ♥️

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TinyTeachr · 23/07/2024 21:50

Baby wont settle. Possibly feeling a no poorly (her head is hot) and probably over tired from routine going all wrong this evening due to tantrum. As it had been more than 20minites I took her in with me snoozing on my shoulder. He was awake (brother fast asleep) but won't talk to me. I asked him if he wanted a lullaby, but he wouldn't answer. Did snuggle up to me as I sang. Didn't say goodnight afterwards. 😢

So I bring it up with him tomorrow or just not mention it and have a fresh day? He is sometimes prone to meltdowns but not usually on this scale.

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