Hello!! I have a question about my three year old son. Within the past week, his personality has gone from sweet natured to extremley fussy. He was sick with a cold and high fever last week, and still has some congestion. But, he used to listen but now he doesn't listen, ignores us, throws temper tantrums, tells us NO when we ask him to do something (he did this before, but not that often). He is almost like a different child. Is this something that has to do with his age? I thought it was the terrible twos... but he seems to be in his terrible three's. Should I be concerenced, or is this something all 3 year olds go through?
I found the 3's much more difficult than the 2's with both my boys so it could be age-related. However, it could be that he still doesn't feel well after his illness last week. If it keeps up, I would mention it to his pediatrician.
Good luck!
M.
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My daughter did the same thing at 3...she woke up one morning a different child. I told my husband if this is how she is going to be from now on...he can be the stay at home parent and I'm going back to work. But after a few weeks...my sweet daughter came back and ever once in awhile the "other" personality will come out. Best of luck.
M.,
I'd be a little concerned since it is following an illness. The suggestion of an ear infection was made and I absolutely agree that it could be that, or something else... sinus infection, etc... The change is too sudden. If it was me I would call tomorrow and I'd take him to a doctor to be checked out asap.
sounds like an ear infection to me. they always change my perfectly normal 3 year old into a monster. lol.
I, too have found that the Pod People have captured my son and replaced him with this unruly, disrespectful, fit throwing model I'm ready to give back.
He's finding his way, momma. And I in turn, am finding my way to a valium (FOR ME)every time he goes to sleep (my son will be 3 in February)
Stand your ground. Be consistant. Good luck to you hun!!
I'm in total agreement with everyone else that three's are harder than two's. I have two three year olds! :o) I do want to add though that if this change is sudden within the week and he's had congestion, isn't listening...maybe he has an ear infection going on.
I also have a 3yr old son. Whenever he's fussing, I ask him to stop and use his words and tell me what's causing him to fuss: hunger, tiredness, etc. Is your son verbal enough that he can tell you?
I found 3 much more difficult than 2...none of those behaviors are unusual at all.
My son did the same thing although it wasn't following an illness, about 3 weeks before he turned 3 he became exactly what you are describing, throwing fits and just plain old being bad, we did not have any issues with the "terrible twos", this lasted until about 2 weeks ago and he is a great little boy again, very loving and just being great "knock on wood" so this lasted about 4 months for us, I have heard many people say and read that about every 6 months kids personalities will change, so this may last a few months and then he will go back to the same loving little boy, but in about 6 more months or so the "bad" boy will come back and the cycle will contiue until they are about 5 or so, this is what I have heard friends say and read but every child is different, good luck and just hang on it will get rough but as I can see with my son it does it better.
Well, he could still be feeling bad--it sounds like he was really sick and no one feels good with congestion. However, my sweet daughter was absolutely awful right around the time she turned 3. Her preschool teacher has years and years of experience, so she handled a classroom full of cranky 3-year-olds with ease and grace, but she would occasionally say it had been a rough day with all of the girls doing a little hair-pulling and screeching, so I know there were some really bad days at school (and I was relieved that it was not just my own child who was acting up).
Based on those episodes, I am guessing that all 3-year-olds have some really stinky phases, and you may be hitting one with your son. Good luck! I will add that 3 was one of my favorite ages as well, so you have some wonderful times ahead of you this year.
Anytime my kids are sick for a few days, they are a challenge for a few days following. They get waited on hand and foot while they are sick, get their way, etc...they get a little use to it.
Threes are usually harder than twos, so that could be it too.
I realize that you may not share the same faith as me, but, pray for your child as often as you think to. This helps by the Lord guiding your efforts in helping your child learn his way through this stage.
I do not think anything is 'wrong' with your kiddo...he'll likely go through different phases time after time. Some good, some bad.
Take Care!
Hi M.,
Three's were worse than two's with my little ones. Age and stage is possible, however with not feeling well recently I would have his ears checked. He could have developed an ear infection too. An ear infection can affect his hearing. Another thought is a problem at daycare or preschool.
Hope you find the answer you are looking for.
I have a 3.5 yr old boy. The 3's have definitely been worse than the 2's. My son does that too.
Threes are way worse than 2s for a lot of us. Welcome to the club. This is pretty normal actually from what I've been able to find out. Two books that were really helpful for me -- Happiest Toddler on the Block by Dr Karp (get the DVD from the library -- lots of really good techniques) and then to better understand him, try the Louise Ames books -- Your 3 yr old: Friend or Enemy (says it all doesn't it?? http://www.amazon.com/Your-Three-Year-Old-Louise-Bates-Am.... Take comfort in that it will get better. he is still your sweet boy. All that he is doing, to quote my child behaviorist mil, is an indicator of good mental health development. Like that makes you feel better, right?? ;) Seriously, don't take it personally and just try and educate yourself regarding this phase and how to deal with it. It will get better.
The tyranical threes are far worse than the terrible two's! I don't know why more mothers don't mention this stage to unassuming first time moms. lol! My (now 9 year old) daughter was HORRIBLE at this age! She was so sweet and then, WHAM! I was getting doors slammed, screaming fits, and the like...
The key at this age is consistency. Find what works and stick to your guns about it. They are very independent at this age, so remember to let him make some of the decisions that are mundane, such as what shirt to wear, etc. Good luck!
I would suggest that you give him a chance to feel completely better. It sounds like he is not feeling that great. He may also be experiencing some minor allergy symptoms. I am allergic to cedar and I hate this time of year, believe me I want to throw a tantrum, ignore the world and just go to bed. Your sweet little boy will be back when he feels better.
