How do you keep your preschoolwr from being demanding?

mamarazzi

From the moment ds1 awakes he's demanding something - a snack, breakfast, putting his show on, playing with xyz, a drink, etc. Ds2 needs to "ease" into the day a bit. He wants to cuddle for a bit. Add to that I'm pregnant and not really human until 2pm and the demands are a bit unbearable. We are big on manners around here but ds1 seems to have all but forgotten them. We are constantly talking about/working on patience, too, but it's a concept that's beyond him, I think. This morning I was tending to ds1 (who is sick so even more moody first thing in the morning) and told ds1 I'd get him his breakfast in just a minute. 30 seconds went by and he said to me "uh, mom. I don't see you getting my breakfast." who is this rude child? And what do we do to nip the attitude in the bud?

EliseB0323

Can you teach him to do some stuff by himself?

For example, put a sippy cup of water or milk or whatever he drinks where he can reach it in the fridge and get his own drink. Teach him to use the remote to turn on he show by himself.

DandelionMom

Ditto Elise! Make it easy for him to do stuff on his own.  Gracie has a water bottle that she uses all day and she can reach the fruit bowl if she needs a snack. 

He's not trying to be rude; it is just the age. Keep working on the pleases and thank yous but don't expect much patience right now. 

katie277s

On Saturday, we went grocery shopping and came home to make dinner.  DH and I were unpacking groceries, and L said he was getting hungry.  I told him I'd get his dinner in just a minute.  Like you, 30 seconds passes by and he says "I'm getting really hungry out here.  Can you get my dinner?"  Honestly, I just laughed.  But DH did not, at first. 

When he gets attitude, I tell him to drop it or he'll have to sit in TO until he can be nice and polite.  That usually helps.  

littlemermaid

He might not even realize he is being rude and demanding.  You need to point it out to him.  Tell him he is being rude.  Tell him to go back into the other room and when you are ready and able to assist him you will let him know.  Continue to remind him to use his manners too.  Be consistent with the reminders he will eventually get it if you don't give in to his demands.

peekaboo716

It is the age. It's exhausting. And his constant barking orders is mind-numbing. I try to remind him that he needs to wait his turn, just like if he was waiting in line for something. That usually gets his attention.

Now if you have any ideas about how I can keep mine from interrupting every 5 seconds, please let me know.