I Can Do It!!!

jennyelf

Kiddo is in a very independent / "I Can DO IT!" phase. Wants to do everything and the tantrum that ensues if he isn't allowed to do it is exhausting. For example, today he wanted to change his own diaper and got very upset at us when he wasn't able to and then dressing him for the morning was a task in which he actively fought us every step of the way (pulling off socks, trying to take off his shirt etc.). How is everyone else handling this?

We're trying to let him do as much as he can (turning on and off water at the sink, putting limbs into clothing, putting on hat, choosing which clothing to wear) and sometimes that works, but certain things he just isn't going to be allowed to do (change his diaper, anything involving knives, etc.). So what is everyone else finding that works in avoiding the meltdowns?

emberlee3

DD is like this, too. I don't have any great advice except be consistent with rules related to safety, and otherwise let him try. Sometimes DD asks for my help after giving it a go herself. Parenting requires a lot of patience. DS (4 yo) insists on doing everything himself, and he is incredibly slow. But then again, tantrums are no timesaver, so I might as well let him do it, KWIM?