Slowly but surely losing my mind....

[abbynzachsmommy]

My daughter is 3...she'll be 4 in January. Since she turned 3 she has turned in to this child I don't know. She has always been such a sweet, easy child...but she hit 3 and flipped a switch. Now, she doesn't listen, is mouthy, and thinks as long as you aren't looking the rules don't apply.  I don't know what else to do. I am consistent, I have tried every from of punishment from spanking to taking things away to grounding her from things but nothing seems to work. There are times she acts like she would rather take the punishment and do what she wants than listen and avoid getting in trouble.  I'm just at a loss.... I really don't know what to do anymore. I'm 37 weeks pregnant, tired and really don't have the patience to deal with her most days.

It honestly hurts me that she seems to have so little reguard for me and my authority. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to sit down and cry because I feel like I have failed. I try spending time with her, and right now its hard, but I do try. It just doesn't seem to do any good...I just dont know what else to do.

[Kellyjude1]

Sep. 22, 2009 at 6:59 PM

  My son was the same way.  I thought the terrible 2's were bad, but once he hit 3 he seemed to get worse..lol.  Try time out.  Of course, you have to stay consistent.  If you tell your daughter something once give her another chance and warn her if you do not stop you will get time-out.  Place her on a chair, and each time she gets off place her back again.  This may take several tries, but trust me eventually she will wear down and realize this is not a game and you are in control.  It is not so much the time spent on time-out just a few seconds...its more that she listens when you place her there.  Also, once placed in time out before allowing her to get up-get down to her level and explain you are in time out because you hit, or whatever it may be.  So she will understand.  Praise your daughter whenever she is doing good.  Giving her positive praise will hopefully show her that it is better to get good attention from you then bad.  If she is good take her outside even if it is just for a walk or to the playground-allowing her to see that if she is good you can both spend time together.  My son is 4 now, and is a lot better.  Of course, he has his times when he will still act up which is expected, however the time out has helped.  He now loves to help me and wants to do good which shows he is finally getting it...lol.  I hope things get better.  Hang in there...you need me send me a message...

[Charlie98]

Sep. 22, 2009 at 8:27 PM

I'm so sorry that you are going through this.  Don't ever think that you aren't doing a good job, because you are.  You are doing what's right, and you are doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.  I went through this with my youngest, and there were times where I would just sit and cry.  I finally told my husband, that I just didn't know what to do anymore, and he told me this: Pray for him.  So, that's what I did.  I prayed specifically for him when I would go to bed, and every morning before I got out of bed, I'd pray for him.  It was amazing how everything changed.

I know this is a hard time for you, and I know you have your hands full.  You are just overwhelmed in general, and she can sense that.  She knows that things are changing, and really I think she's just testing the waters.  You stick to your guns, and you hang in there.  You keep spanking, or putting her in time out, whatever you have to do, and she'll come around.  She knows Momma is the boss, and she knows that she can't run all over you.

Don't let the devil make you think that you aren't doing a good job, because you are.  He wants nothing more than to destroy families, so you keep praying for her, and for you that the Lord will help you both.  I will also be praying for her to learn that what you say goes.  Hang in there, it'll get better, I promise.  ((HUGS))

[SScreptock]

Sep. 23, 2009 at 9:46 PM

My goodness. My son is the exact same way and he'll be 4 in December. He acts the exact same way. I wish I had some advice to offer you but really, I don't. I'm in the same boat. Except in place of being pregnant I have a newborn to take care of. So I can definitely relate.

All I can really say is if you need someone to talk to, I'm here. I can definitely sympathize and we seem to have quite a bit in common. :)

If you'd like, just message me and I'll give you my number. I'm pretty sure I already have yours but I know you've got to be exhausted and I don't want to bother you if you've finally found some rest.

Good luck.

-Sarah