Terrible threes? My son just turned three a few weeks ago.?

Question

It seems like since then he's been disrespectful, disobedient and defiant. He's always been such a sweet and laid back child. He would always do what was asked of him. Now he is throwing tantrums and fits....I don't even recognize my own child when he does this! We also have a new baby in the house that is six weeks old. He seems to accept the baby and has been very sweet to him. Could it be that he is acting out because he is jealous or could this just be a stage?

Answer 1

It could be that he just turned 3, but I'd say it's more likely related to the new baby. Even though he is sweet to the baby, he is reacting to the change in the household the only way he knows how to, since it may be hard for him to verbalize his feelings and thoughts to you.

Try to give him some special one on one time and be patient, remind him to use his words and don't give in to his tantrums. I know it may be hard and seems easier to give in to get him to stop, but it will be better for you both in the long run to work though this now. Good luck!

Answer 2

I think you might be smack in the middle of both. For tantrums you have to pick your battles (is it life, death or morality based?) if it is something that is still wotth addressing you have to be firm but never get visibly angry or impatient. A tantrum is a tool or toddler war that is meant to gain a bigger victory that toppling the dishwashing liquyid at Wal Mart. Can he topple it and get away with it? Do you lose it or start to react with body language that you are asking his permission to go about your day or does he know you will deliver his discipline for that offense in a firm yet detached way (with love) that lets him know you are the grown up. I have 4 children and I am going through the terrible 2-4's for the 3rd time. I can cuddle and play but I have to be able to firmly switch into dad the parent. My son will sometimes play with me and as soon as I start to get mushy and let my guard down he will do something he has no business doing and I have to stop the fun and games and address him on it.

AS far as the jealousy I am not much help on that issue besides just trying to include him in the "safer" baby care rituals such as bathing/feeding and letting him feel a part of the process.

Answer 3

little ones behave badly at the same time as their emotional tanks are empty... so the first ingredient you ought to do if he looks depressing is to provide him better hugs and cuddles, tell him how a lot you want him, and spend time with him. once you're with him all day there should not be a lot probability of him doing 'incorrect' as you position it... at 3, maximum of his behaviour will evidently be curious, loud, and very energetic. Fragile or risky issues might want to nonetheless be out of attain if he's an investigative style of kid, yet commonly you want to address him with respect, no longer punishment. self-discipline ability preparation, no longer punishing, and includes causes, communicate, and many unconditional love. Telling him to act or be remoted is an fairly detrimental way of helping a baby to benefit the version between top and incorrect, or perfect and unacceptable behaviour. the similar old technique (how i change into delivered up, and how I delivered my sons up, and what I regularly see among different mom and father) is for the figure to %. the youngster up, supply him a hug and a kiss, and then clarify gently why even though it really is is a nasty idea, or something they ought to not do. yet you may want to make constructive you empathise which include his emotions, so he's conscious you're on his area. you do not element out what precisely it really is that he's doing which insects you a lot, yet until eventually he's conscious completely why that is incorrect he will purely be better at a loss for words and better offended. Spanking purely teaches a baby that hitting is effective and (in a great number of cases) that their mom and father are bullies :-(

Answer 4

My children (I have 5) were mostly little angels until they hit 3. Then they learned that they could say no, and didnt HAVE to do what mommy and daddy said. Also, little ones dont like change! A new baby in the house means, not only is he not the baby anymore, but someone just took his place! Here he might not have diapers, the baby took them. He doesnt get bottles, the baby gets them. Mommy doesnt hold me all the time, she holds the baby. So when I act up or have a tantrum, mommy pays attention to me, not the baby. They get over it in time. Why not get him a "baby" to take care of? Then you can do something together. "I'm gonna feed the baby, you want to feed your baby with me?" It works!!

Answer 5

I know exactly what you mean. My son turned 3 in Sept. and lately he has been a complete terror. I talked his doctor about it. Just a phase, another part of trying to get some kind of control of their lives. At this age they have the ability to understand what "no" means and that usually makes them mad when they don't get what they want. I just pick and chose my battles with my son. Some things just aren't worth fighting over. Let him throw his tantrums if you are at home. He will most likely calm down faster if you give him some space. It's all part of growing up.

Answer 6

It is probably a bit of both. Many children are difficult at three, especially if they were easy at 2, but having a new baby is probably having an effect as well. Try to give him lots of attention when he is behaving and ignore him when he is having a tantrum.

Answer 7

my son seemed like he was taken over by Lucifer himself at 3 but he was great at 2 it is a phase a new addition to the family may be it let be involved with the new baby and feel he is a part of it, some years they are great and some years not so much have patience it will get better.

Answer 8

I went through this with my child too, minus the new baby.

The best advice I can give is to be firm and consistent in your discipline. This includes when other people discipline him. For example, if he is babysat, let the sitter know what form of discipline you use and when. If they won't follow, find someone who will. Grandparents are notoriously bad at giving in to tantrums.

Answer 9

most children start to act out between the ages of 2 and 3. its when they start realizing that they dont have to do everything we tell them. their brains start rationalizing and figuring things out. they become more creative and start doing more things on their own. i am sure this is just a stage. if it was an issue over jealousy, your son wouldnt be so nice to your new baby. either way, if it is just a stage or it ends up being jealusy, be patient with your son, it will work itself out...

Answer 10

Usually around this age, they are internally conflicted on who they are and what their boundaries are....so they test them and they are still babies. They only know this way to express their feelings. Keep your cool - keep consistent and never give up. You will love that baby even more after THIS stage passes.