Preschooler Rant

WonderJess · September 2013

You guys... is it still ok to leave them at the door of the fire station when they're almost 4??

Because honestly it's either that or I become an alcoholic. Lily, despite being incredibly active and perpetually teething, is so easy compared to my older kid. And, really, I probably shouldn't even complain because I know it could be worse. He is (mostly) not outright defiant and to anyone outside our home, including his daycare provider, he's a super well behaved and charming kid.

But sweet Mary on a half shell he is driving me INSANE at home. Wild, not listening, screaming, too rough with Lily, not listening, throwing things in excitement, writing on the floor, not listening... have I mentioned not listening!? In all seriousness it has sucked any fun out of parenting for me and for the past few weeks I've spent every minute of the day wanting to either scream at him or cry. It's like he just can't control him impulses at all. And, yes, I know it is completely, 100% normal but if this phase doesn't phase the eff out soon I don't even know what I'll do.

If you got this far, thanks. Now go hug your sweet, innocent toddlers and pretend this won't happen to you. :-P

Do not be fooled by this face!

apollonia10 · September 2013

Many of my friends say that by the time they're 4 and a half, the nasty 3 year old habits make way for sweet kid habits. I hope it gets better!

lilahbean13 · September 2013

Oh I'm sorry you're dealing with this!!!! Cooper has her moments when I want to go drop her off on a doorstep Benjamin button style.

WonderJess · September 2013

Bliz1712 said:

I notice V and I tend to butt heads more when we just stay at home. I know you can't always go places, but even just trips to Walmart or the grocery store to get us out of the house seem to keep us on good terms. ML was a real treat on some days. I ended up sending her to daycare for a couple hours a day some days because she was getting on my nerves. As they get older they get naggier (is that even a word) IMO.
Just don't feel like it's just you. Kids are extremely comfortable around certain individuals and know exactly how to push their buttons and they do it just because they can.
V's thing now that is irritating is she gets so worked up about the stupidest things. We are having something for dinner that she can't remember having. She makes a huge argument and sometimes there are tears involved how she won't like it and wants to make something else. This worry lasts for a good 1/2 hour to an hour. And then when she tries it, she loves it and has 2 helpings. She is such a drama queen!

Yeah, he goes to daycare four mornings a week, and they have a school curriculum so it really, really helps. There is one other boy there, though, who is so rough and tumble and I know Owen has picked up some of the behavior from him. I am thankful he has thrown one tantrum, ever. It's just connnnnstant reminders, time outs, redirection, chatter, calming down, etc. I'm exhausted. We don't get the tears at dinner but he is the slowest eater on the planet so that's yet another battle. Good luck with your drama queen! These little stinkers are HARD!

nesenotes · September 2013

@bliz1712 oh gawd I feel like that is emery already. I'm seriously worried about my future. I'm going to invest in rope and duct tape now.

StokedWifey · September 2013

.

DeniseRN · September 2013

You know my lyfe. We even joke about the fire station

SallySunrise · September 2013

That's my life to a T. Benjamin is my absolute pride and joy, and he's driving me bsc. We have many wonderful, sweet moments (almost) daily, but in between it's chaos. I just read an article about how to like your kid again, and it's helped more than articles like that usually do for me. I'll see if I can find it again.

Hang in there. You're not alone, and it WILL get better! (Right?)

WonderJess · September 2013

@SallySunrise I would love to read that article. You absolutely nailed that the issue is that I don't like him at all right now. Two was a breeze for us and he's always been such a sweet, agreeable, and happy kid that this is really throwing me. Just the other day I was sobbing to my husband, worrying that I won't like him again for a long time. Rationally I know that isn't true but... yeah. Things have been ugly here!

SallySunrise · September 2013

https://www.thehowtomom.com/2013/09/how-to-fix-your-childs-attitude.html?m=1

HTH!! Hugs, mamas!

StokedWifey · September 2013

My real post didn't show up. Thanks, TB.

You're terrifying me here, and furthering my need to add condoms to this week's grocery list.

Good luck with him. Kids can be such snotheads. I hope you get a little break from the attitude soon.

Pandril19 · September 2013

Hugs @WonderJess .

britbratjf · September 2013

**hugs** I don't have a preschooler but have been around enough of them to realize it will be a difficult age! FX that he grows out of this fun phase soon!