Bossy 3 year old,,,,,HELP

twix05

Yesterday DD had her friend over, they were swimming. DD kept going at her friend (being bossy, not letting her alone) seems like she forgot how to be nice. I put her on time-out, and told her when she can play nice w/ her friend she can come join us. I don't know what to do, she goes to preschool sept-May and stays at home w/ me during the summer. I heard her friend tell her mom that she doesn't want to come over and play anymore, which DD heard and made her sad. I am not sure what to do. Anyone have any advice?

elm1032004

I think most kids do that from time to time.  Just let your DD know that if she is bossy her friends won't want to play with her pointing out what the friend said.  Also talk to the friends mom, let her know that your DD was being bossy but you've talked to her about it and hopefully it's been addressed.  I'm sure the friend will want to come play again soon.....at this age they react to the moment and then they get over it.

EliseB0323

Bossiness is normal for 3-4-year-olds. It's a control thing. The world is big and scary when you are little and your DD is trying to make sense of it and control it in her own way.

Try to give her lots of chances to be in control of things. Let her pick her clothes, choose her lunch, her activities, etc. Explain things to her so she knows what's going to happen. For example, "Janie is coming over to play soon. What would you like to do? OK, we can go swimming. Would you like to play ball with Janie with the beach ball? What do you think she would like to have for lunch?

Rebekah1021

My DD can get that way too. It's usually worse when she doesn't play with kids for awhile. I just keep reminding her to share and to play nice.

docmay25

My ds is like that still at age 5.  He isn't trying to be mean, he just likes things a certain way and has a controling personality.  I remind him that everyone has ideas of what to do when playing and we need to listen to their ideas too.  Also, do some role playing with her.  If she does it when you are playing with her then you can stop and show her how to play without being bossy.

It is completely normal to be bossy when playing at this age and it is something that you just have to keep giving reminders.