4 Going on 5 - Deland,FL

My soon to be 5 year old is the same way right now. And with a teething 10 mo old, I feel at my wits end. He's been doing a lot of time outs lately, which helps temporarily. I think it's just a developmental thing, and it will pass. Hang in there (I will, too).

Keep doing things in which you can involve her. My almost four year old pretended he was washing dishes while, I made omlets to eat. We took out the recycling and I told him boxes needed to be broke down. I live in an apartment complex and there were a stack of broken down boxes and he helped put them in the recycle bin. I know it is hard when you have more than one. I know it is hard not to yell. Tell her to help out with her brother or sister as they would be a big help to you. Make sure she has things to do by herself like play educational games,puzzles,crafts,drawing. When they are more occupied by things they can do themselves the less likely they will want to be your appendage. Good luck

When my kids hit that stage I had to remind myself OVER AND OVER that I was in control! I had to make a conscious effort to be over the top nice to the kiddo (hugs, kisses, praise, "alone time", etc). I found if I didn't yell (which I am REALLY GOOD at yelling), they would respond better. I think when i tried to focus on the good behavior and praise it, the bad behavior took a back seat. Just remember, this too shall pass :)

I have often found that when my child goes through these "phases" that I am in a "phase" too. She is usually just mirroring my internal stress...which just adds to my stress and can create massive frustration (yelling) and guilt. It sounds like you are overwhelmed and your daughter is just acting up to get you off the "gotta do train". First, eliminate the guilt about not having enough attention to give her. Just accept you are doing your best and that should help ease some of your stress. The next thing I usually do is just stop whatever important task I am attending to and just sit and read for 20 minutes or more with her. That shifts the energy to a calmer one where you can think for a few seconds! Then when i need to get some work done in the kitchen, I involve her. She just wants to be involved and feel accomplished...just like you. If there are laundry chores to be done make up silly rhymes or songs about the work...let her make them up. I've also discovered my daughter who is the same age as yours loves to wipe surfaces with a cleaning wipe. Emphasize the concept of the family team. We all work together for the good of the family. This really works great and builds everyone's morale. When all else fails...put her in the shower and then join her later! Water washes away all those complicated feelings! Good luck with the PT and hope you feel better.

I don't have two kids but I often have more than one kid in my care, and many different nephews, nieces etc. I work 40 hr wks, go to school ft, etc. What works best for me is "special time" with each kid. Daily for my son I have 30 minutes that's all his. No cell phone, TV, hell or high water I'm all his. Since you have two kids this may be a little difficult. So as some of my friends do and I do this some times as well you can try "SPECIAL TIME". A movie just you and your daughter, or pool time alone, or some hobbies you guys can share. My son and I started going to museums a while back and his obnoxious only child syndrome has subsided greatly, I think in part to this "special mommy and son time". Hope that helped. :)

Aww''take a deep breath..she is into the learnings of attention, expressing and so much more..what i have learned thru all is to' how can we teach without taking things to heart or personal...see''if we take things to heart it changes the outcome of accomplishment & self benefits...take time to breath. whatever the situation is the importance is that a child will respond according to how we handle it..''''using encouragement words and phrases in situations,,''' I would love it if you''''' I like the way you''' I will love to see you''''' ect..ect..the outcome of praising when steps of learning leads to a want to do better & better..:)
If situation where bisbehaving comes to place'''making sure that taking time to let child know that ''she will be heard and listened when shes calm and you can speak to her'''be consistent'''thats the key''she will understand that mommy will give her the attention when she gets greater'''' when she gets to calm '''reward her'''''with a coming back and saying good girl''' THANK YOU for listening, I LIKE IT that your making good choices, a HUG will seal the deal for her to feel and want to do better...leads her to open mind & you expressing the things you would like her to be greater at..it's a learning to all of us..but you are her guider...who's best to learned from...all these little importance of taking time'' will teach her patience, love, understanding, open minded,and so much more... Patience & consistency... A single mother of 3 that learned from best..the man upstairs":) God bless"":)