The scenario: For the past several days, my 3 y.o. daughter has refused to comb her hair or put her shoes on so we can go somewhere (even if it's fun, like the park.) I say "Ok, then we're not going anywhere" and then it turns into a one hour tantrum while I"m ignoring her. Then I make her put her shoes on and brush her hair with her kicking and screaming. The truth is that she's punishing me because I don't want to stay home all day. Any advice? Pls don't suggesting spanking, I don't do that in my house (but I don't judge anyone who does.)
2007-11-28 08:41:23 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Oops! Of course I comb her hair and put her shoes on. She just won't let me peacefully, she'll squirm and twist and cry about it.
2007-11-28 08:52:05 · update #1
Ahhhhh, welcome to the terrible three's. Terrible twos is a misnomer, its really the threes that are tough. My boys weren't too bad but my daughter is really giving me a run for my money. You're not alone.
With my daughter, what worked was I'd give her plenty of warnings ahead of time (i.e. "we're leaving in 5 minutes to go to the park"). then I'd tell her to get her shoes on. If she refused or put up a fuss, I'd say to her "you have 5 minutes to get your shoes on. If they're not on in 5 minutes, I'm doing it and you can't play with your princesses today" (or whatever punishment you think would work for your daughter). Occasionally I'd get a day when I'm wrestling the shoes on her kicking and screaming, but 9 times out of 10 she does it without fuss. I think wtih your daughter where she wants to stay home, she is tantruming as a stall tactic. If you keep her moving along it may help her see throwing a fit won't get her her way.
I hope this helps. They do outgrow it eventually! My mother keeps talking about the "fabulous fours". I'm almost there.... :)
2007-11-28 10:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried time out or taking away toys the she like or privileges? You have to get a hold on this now or it will get worse. Don;t give in you have to be more strong willed than her. Kids are smarter than anyone gives them credit for. You have to stand your ground. I wouldn't let her throw the tantrum when I was ready to leave I would make her brush her hair and put the shoes on right then. You will probably have to fight with her the first few times, but then she will realize that you are not going to back down. Right now is a good time to use Santa Claus is watching and you have to act like a big girl. Good Luck
2007-11-28 16:48:36 · answer #2 · answered by Emily 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have to occupy my 2 year old while I brush her hair. Honestly, I give her the whole box of hair accessessories to play with while I do her hair.
Shoes? Well, just sit her down and do it. It's the same kind of things trying to get them to wear clothes. I tell my daughter, Mommy wears clothes so you have to--we don't walk around naked in this house. But it doesn't alway work.
Maybe try putting her in a high chair or booster seat to do it. Worse comes to worse, take her out to the car and strap her into the car seat, then put her shoes on. She's not going anywhere so can she really stop you? If she kicks them off, just put them back on before you let her out of the carseat. Try the same with brushing her hair, however I don't know if that will work.
Good luck
2007-11-28 16:49:24 · answer #3 · answered by Joyful 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
shes three comb her hair and put her shoes on your self shes not 12 shes 3 your expecting an awful lot out of a very young child
added
so what all kids do its the whole sitting still thats the problem pop her leg a few times worked for my son not hard enough to leave your hand print
2007-11-28 16:47:40 · answer #4 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try a book called Majic 1-2-3. I worked wonders with me and my daughter. she will be 6 next week and even now all I have to do is count to 2 I've never made it to 3. Good Luck.
2007-11-28 16:49:36 · answer #5 · answered by Curly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're the parent! You say that after an hour of screaming you make her do these things anyway so why don't you just make her do them in the first place.
You are making empty threats and it doesn't take long for kids to pick up on that. You need to start saying what you mean and sticking to it or else your problems are going to get much bigger.
2007-11-28 20:01:26 · answer #6 · answered by forever5 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is normal for toddler to try and push as much as she can. she is learning. now is the time to really emphasize who is the parent and who is the child. be firm and strong and don't back down. when you tell her your not going... don't . let her finish her tantrum first. your only showing her that her fit throwing is working and you will give in.
2007-11-28 16:48:14 · answer #7 · answered by JAMIE V 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋