3 Year Old Having "Freak Outs" over Little Things.

Hello F.,

Oh dear, could he be eating something that affects him like that? I'm saying that because of my son. His body cannot tolerate high fructose corn syrup. the slightes thing would sent him over the edge and it would be 20 - 30 minutes of crying, ranting, complainting, etc. it could be bath time, it could be the rain, it could be the sunshine... it took me a very long time to figure it out and to this day I have not found anybody else that has that reaction. check breakfast cereal, juices, cookies, bread, crackers, etc.

If I remember correctly, one of oprah's shows they had a boy that was allergic to chocolate. they showed a video after giving him some miniscule amount of chocolate and that sweet boy was like a raging maniac. Then they have him the antidote and he was back to normal like turning the light switch. Good luck, keep looking and follow your gut instinct! ~C.~

Hello F.,
Wow, you have your hands(and heart)full. I have 5 children of my own and a step-daughter. This in no way makes me an expert, but maybe your son would benefit for some Mommy-time, just the two of you. He could be feeling fogotten, your children a very close in age so maybe he needs some reassurance that he's still your baby too!
I had my last 3 children each 2.5 years apart(now 6,3.5 & 1)and my 6 yo is acting clingy (he didn't when the middle child was born, just since the new baby) and my 3.5 yo has, on occassion, acted as you described. So, as hard as it is to get away with only one child, I try to do it at least once a week. We go get groceries, with no hassels. We go to the park, walk the dog...whatever. I really enjoy getting to spend that time with them, one on one. They are totally different when they are separated for a while. (if your husband can do the same, that would be a plus!)
My husband takes one of them almost everywhere he goes, on a rotation. It's good for the kids and for the parents.
I hope this helps you. Like I said, I'm no expert..but it works for my family.
God bless!
DS
Mom of 6
Son-18, Son-14.5, S-Daughter-13, Son-6, Son-3.5, Daughter-1

Keep a food diary to rule out things that he is eating making him more difficult but other than that, if you have explained to him a couple of times and he is still going whacko, he really is old enough for you to say "I have explained it to you, your continuing to behave this way is unacceptable." Put him in a time out. You have already acknowledged that you valued his concerns because you tried to explain it to him. You are not telling him his behavior or the ideas he has are ridiculous so you won't damage his psyche, and he will be learning that some behaviors are acceptable and others aren't. He needs to learn that he can be upset about things but not go mental.

With three a year apart, I don't know how you are not on medication. Sometimes mommies need time outs too just to keep from going nuts. Make sure you give yourself those.