Help I Am Certain My 3 Yr Old Is a Demon

I don't have much advice. I just wanted to say I know what ya mean. Some days I think we are not going to make it age 4. As far as potty training. Just do it and go to underwear. It is hard but it eventually worked for my son. That and visits to the potty every 45 min. Naked doesn't work for boys because it is entertaining to pee and see where it goes. But with regular underwear, at least they feel wet. Good Luck and know that you are definitely not alone.

It sounds like he is needing attention and he is doing anything and everything he can to get it. Give him some one on one time. When he misbehaves, don't give in. Don't yell back or hit back. Speak to him in a low, controlled voice. Utilize time out. Some don't 'believe' in it but for my boys it works. Most of all, be consistent. Make a plan and stick with it! My boys just turned 4 and are almost potty trained. We finally had to go cold-turkey from diapers to underwear. It is difficult and messy but it works!

Oh, I have a 3 yo too and it is not the terrible 2's-it is the terrible 3's.
I also have a 13 mo and everyone seems happier if I put my 3yo "in charge". I tell her she needs to keep baby happy and give him a new toy ever so often. I also give her a bowl of grapes and she is "in charge" of passing them out.
that is my only tip for a few moments of sanity.
I am not too sure about the anger issue.
& my almost 3 1/2 in not yet potty trained-eeks.

I do special time with her for about 30 min at night after baby is in bed and before I put her down. We play a game on the computer or watch a cartoon together. I am moving non stop all day so she loves the one on one time. It also makes her bed routine go much smoother.

i have to tame my wild beast, so real quick:
I dont know if you already do this, but having some "mommy and me time" A lot of kids this age need that additional time alone with mom or dad. Maybe have a "special" breakfast together every morning; or whiel your 16 month old is napping (if 3 yr old doesnt) have some special time with him. Do things you dont normally do- finger paint; go on a special nature walk out back or whatever.
Just an idea...hope that helps!

Hi C.,
It sounds like you need another set of hands!!! I have 3 boys ages 3, 6, and 7. My middle child responded in a similar way when my baby was about a year old. We still are challenged emotionally with him, but he is doing awesome in school (grades, behavoir, ect.). I would suggest trying some creative ways of spending time together. Encourage his role as big brother by giving him special tasks throughout the day. Find a favorite cartoon to watch each morning together and pop some popcorn. Reward his good behavior with a nature walk in the yard to find a pretty color leaf. Do something joyfully every day with him for atleast a week and see if his behavoir improves. If you are still seeing aggressive and dangerous outburst, I would ask your pediatrition to run some blood work and just test his levels to make sure that nothing is out of the ordinary (for your peace of mind). As for the potty training, don't stress over it. He won't wear a pull up forever. My middle man didn't catch on by the socially accepted age of 3 either. He got intrested a few months later and caught on pretty quick because of his age. All kids are different and each one learns in their own way and own time. Our guys are just a little tougher to figure out! Oh, one more thing.... find out what kind of music makes him move! All three of mine have a different favorite. Have a daily dance session! They love this and it really affects their mood in a great way!! Good luck!! God Bless You and Strengthen you!!! W.

Bless you. Send him to your MIL for a week. That doesn't make you a bad mom, it makes you a BETTER mom because you'll be reenergized, you'll actually miss him (sometimes after the 3rd day :)) and you'll have a chance to step back and get some perspective. Plus then there will be another person in the world who knows what you're going through with him.

Good luck!

Well, as far as the potty training goes.... I swear by the book "Potty Training in Less Than a Day", it is still available I'm sure- I bought it at Borders in 2003. My experience with it is that it takes more like 3 days, not one- but that is far better than months!! I like it because you are actually TEACHING them to keep their pants dry, to recognize their body telling them when they need to go and doing all of the steps themselves- not just saying "Do you need to go potty?" when they have no concept of how to know more than 1 second before going that they even have to go!

I just think it is ridiculous that these places "require" kids to be potty-trained by age 3- many kids are not even ready to try until 3! Sorry, it just irks me that daycares/MDO's don't want to actually do ALL the work required to care for young children!

Hi C.,
Sounds like you have a 3 year old! Go by the book Love and Logic for Preschoolers it will really help. I have 4 kids and 3's were always more difficult than 2's. I do not kno where you live, but Denton Bible Church is having a free parenting class in Feb for 8 weeks , with free childcare. The church is in North Denton. If you want more info e-mail me at ____@____.com. I agree with the other two ladies about some alone time with him. Be carefull about labeling him, I think you are kidding, but be careful.
Good Luck!