terrible threes?

My kids turned 3 in July. We went to visit my parents for 2 week the middle of September. Ever since we got back Sept 25 they have been terrible to live with. I know some of it is coming home from vacation, they had lots to see and do at my parents who live on a small farm but were not really spoiled and I was there and their behavior was great. Since we came home here is what I am seeing that I wasn't before, at least not very often
1-whining over ever little thing, over and over-until I send to time out
2-hitting when upset
3-won't play for more than 5-10 min without fighting and yelling (used to play for 30-60 min)
4-won't do jobs they are asked to do (like set the table, put shoes on the rack)
5-Keep nagging when an answer is given (I expect some, but not for 8-10 times unless I send to timeout or other consequence)

I feel like I am pretty consistent but have been really sick with my pregnacy so I know some things did slide. I am still not feeling great and I know I don't ahve the patience I wish I did, but that hasn't changed since June.

Any ideas, or helpful hints. I loved them being 2, we have had so much fun. I don't want it to change now.

 

I hate to say that 3 was worse than 2

 

Not really any advice but my son is 3 and the girls are 2 and my son has been terrible for the past 6 mo. or so. I have talked to so many people including ones that have grown children and they have all said 3 is terrible without me even saying anything about his behavior. 4 is much better they say! BEST OF LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

 

Yep, that's what we are discovering too. The attitude is what is killing me! :headbang: I wish I had some great advice.....just stay consistent with your redirection and discipline. It is a frustrating age, but :youcandoit: .

 

I have heard this many times, by many different people as well! We are 2 days away from 3 and I am already noticing a huge difference in their behavior, and it's NOT in a good way!! :gah: :gah: :gah:

:hug: Momma! I can't imagine how hard that must be to deal with, and being pregnant on top of it! :woman:

 

We were just in to see our pedi recently and even *he* commented that "three has been pretty rough for you guys hasn't it? But maybe it's just a comparison because your two's weren't so bad." I had to laugh, because it's true!

 

Three's have been tough here as well. Attitude and whining are our big issues. It is frustrating and I wish I had some good advice. We just try and stay consistent with them and it helps some days, but others not so much.

 

Oh thank dog I'm not the only one.

It's a good thing they're so cute huh?

 

At 3: whine, independant, tempermental
At 6: silly, head in the clouds
At 8: Pre-pre teenage streak of independance and hardheadedness (resembles 3 but worse)

This is what we have found with our kids. Seems as though most of the kids I have known have gone through the same stages at around the same age. I figure its pretty normal, just keep consistent. They'll outgrow it. :youcandoit:

 

:hug: So sorry the threes have been so tough. I don't have any great advice, some ages are just harder with some kids & they do outgrow it, but it is just painful to get through it sometimes! :hug:


For anyone not there yet, I will give a bit of hope, I have really enjoyed the 3's and now, so far, the 4's. Three is one of my favorite ages. :tomato:

 

Isn't that the truth! :laughing: Although it is a difficult age (whining & attitude), they are so darn cute as this age too!

 

The other thing that is driving me crazy is explaining everything like 10 times. My kids love to ask questions and really want to understand. I get that, I have no problem explaining. Even a second time making sure they understand. But they keep asking, wanting it explained until I finally make them answer their own question, and they usually give the right answer so I know they are listening adn understanding. Any ideas?

 

Tape recorder.

 

Mine do this too. I usually answer 3ish times and then if they ask again I bounce it back to them. If they ask AGAIN I ask what else they want to know. Sometimes they just do this because they want to keep the conversation going. Annoying and cute all at the same time.

 

^^ Agreed!

I loved them in the 2's... the 3's? Not so much. :gah: Just the attitude and being defiant was killing me. ardonThough things did get better around 3.5) BUT I do feel they should name the 4's the Fabulous Fours because I am truly enjoying this age. :wub:

 

To the pp, that's good to hear because the 3's are killing me! We have been potty training for over a year. They never do #2 in the potty ever and they are almost 4 in 2 months! One pees his pants consistently at home, out it's fine. They whine/cry over every little thing and as the pp said they fight within 5 minutes of playing with each other and they always want the same thing. They are so defiant and time outs are just rediculous as they feed off of each other and yell back and forth. They are also ganging up teasing their friends so they are losing friends lately. Sorry to hijack the thread and vent but the 3's have me feeling like a failure. We have some good days, but mostly I am having to be mean a lot ! 2 was fantastic and I'm hoping things change back when they turn 4.

 

I think the 3's have been much rougher than the 2's. They boys will be 4 next month but they are much more of a challenge now than a year ago. Yesterday they took cash out of their dads wallet and took it to school- about $50.00. Cameron said that Corey put daddy's money in his mouth and swallowed it. I've heard rumors that it gets worse at 4!!

 

4 has been better, no more potty training. They are more vocal about why they are upset so we can get thru it. We even havent had many behavior problems starting school.

 

3's were worse for us, too. Thank goodness it only lasts a year. However, I must say, that the arguing with each other has magnified at 4...it drives me insane.