Quick question.... Does it seem like four year olds go through a second terrible two's? My son just turned four and it seems since then he's going through a second phase of terrible two's. tantrums, whineyness, etc. Nothing else has changed life-wise. No moves, no new siblings, so nothing else going on that would be a life-changing issue. Anyone else deal with something like that?
ABSOLUTELY! My grandson is 4, and my daughter asked me if he was being normal. I told her "a 4 year olds JOB is to test and try every SINGLE rule EVER taught him, and EVER learned. He is just doing the job he was programmed to do." It doesn't help with being patient, but it helps with understanding.
My dad has always said four year olds are two year olds with a mouth :).
Sounds like he needs more nap time. Some kids need more sleep during periods of growth. Not enough sleep = whinny kids. If nothing else, putting him down for nap every time he whines (or tantrums) teaches him that it won't get him what he wants.
I totally agree with that! My son will turn 4 in 2 months and he has been TOTALLY different than the kid I raised for first 4 yrs of his life. He is driving me crazy!
Oh dear God, yes!!!!
Wish I knew how to fix it.
I see glimpses of a sweet little boy in there. Mine will be 5 in June. So he's "maturing out of it". But man...we have some days.....
2s weren't that bad for us compared to the threes. Then fours were more manageable because I had gotten used to the threes.
They are undergoing changes even if their environment isn't. I agree it sounds like a physical change that causing a behavior change. Stick with your limits and boundaries, no back talk, "I can't hear you when you whine", tantrums get you no where. A time of laying down, even if you don't sleep.
Five was great. Live for five!!
Four is kind of a hard transitional age. They are torn between being that 3 year old toddler and maturing into a four year old who is almost ready for school. Sometimes they try to hold on to the toddler behavior/mentality. As he moves through his fourth year, you will see a lot of maturing going on.
They go through phases. Just give him a little more attention, if possible. But ignore the tantrums.
