I'm the mother of two great boys ages 3 1/2 and 1 year. My 3 year old acts out sometimes he even knows what he's doing is wrong. Some of this I have heard is the age and it will pass. But, he can be tough to discipline. I have tried the 1,2,3 Magic and doesn't really work for me. (anyone know this book, or have suggestions?) He doesn't always like to follow directions and I try to reward him when he does but, I feel like I'm failing. I don't like yelling and putting him in timeout but, not sure what else to do.
Just wanted to say thanks to you all for responding. At least I know that i'm not alone in this matter. I will just keep up with the timeouts and see where it takes me. I guess I may just have to be a little tougher with the timeouts.
hey J. everything you have learend up to now has been prepearing you for what to come they are testing everthing from when they will sit talk listen what ever they will see how many time they can be told no for the same thing but after they find out what what it get a little better
check your tv listings for the Nanny - She uses the naughty step or chair or corner. Works really well with 3 yr olds.
If you can't find it call me.
M. b
###-###-####
Hello J., I certainly don't have the answers but can completely empathize with you! My three and a half year old seems like a different being sometimes. I am trying to focus on the fact that this is a part of his development and that consistency is the key. Best of luck to you!
I am a mother of 2 boys grown up my first is 27 and my second is 24..but anyhow my question is i been taking care of one of my husband nephew 3 years old son.. I am having problems with potty training and he seems to ignore me when i tell him to tell me if he needs to go potty..i need some help?? I remember my boys when they were potty training they seem to get it rite away..adam is his name..adam was placed in my care because the parents were not taking care of him..his mom was very mean to him i heard..i was wondering if that has something to do with it..i do not know what to do?? He uses pull up but he just goes on it like a diaper..he also always wants attention from me .. Plus alot of anger issue where he would say to me i am going to hit you and he put his little fist in my face..i put him in time out and tell him it is not nice but i feel like it is not doing any good..help
Hi, I'm a stay at home Mom also of a 3 1/2 year old. I know what you are going through. He is testing his boundries and waiting for your response. I have done this for awhile now, I will tell my son not to do something and when he starts in with his crying/mad fit I send him to his room to work it out. He is not allowed to cry and have his fit out here with the rest of us, we don't want to hear about it. Yes its hard to hear him in there crying but he knows that when he is done, he can return to be with the rest of us. It really does work... all I have to say is go to your room now and he says Mommy I will stop crying and be a good boy. You can read more about this in 'Making Children MIND without Losing yours' by Dr. Kevin Leman
I hope this helps you.
T. O
My 3 and a 1/2 daughter is also very active and likes to push her boundaries, however she is also very spirited. So I read the book "Raising the Spirited Child". While not all children are so spirited it does give great pointers for handling dificult situations.
I saved money instead of buying it I checked it out from my local library.
Hi J.,
I just answered a similar question on another post, its a novel, but I had a lot to say. Instead of repeating my self, here is a link to take you to my post.
Good luck.
Im with you! My 3 1/2 year old is from a different planet sometimes, Im sure of it! Just stay consistent and remember it won't last forever...I hope!
~L.
Even though some of his behaviour is age appropriate it doesn't meen you accept it! When the tantrum or wrong behaviour starts you must act, sometimes for a tantrum the best reaction is no reaction, ignore completely, let him know that when he is ready to talk/behave in a big boy manner that you will be willing to talk/listen, and meen it, it can be very trying but you will notice over a few days that they are becoming less and less. He will still have the occasional tantrum he is only three but you will at least have a better control of it.
When it is straight out inappropraite, then time outs, the key with those is consistancy, and the first few times are going to drive you crazy, if sitting in time out doesn't work make him stand in the corner, you could always place him on his bed w/ no t.v or stimilatation(sp?) of any kind. It does work it will just take a lot of work on your part those first few days.
