Help My Three Year Old Is Turning Four but She Acts like a Teenager!!!

Updated on June 08, 2008
A.S. asks from Providence, RI
8 answers

my daughter is about to be four on june 22 and now has the attitude and stubborness of a thirteen year old. when i try to dicipline her people talk junk but they dont know what i deal with on a day to day basis....she kicks her teachers at school, throws things at them and even spits in their faces on occasions...ive tried the corner, no television...

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D.D.

answers from Burlington on

YOu need to start with looking at her foods she may have allergy to foods. A lot of kids behave this way as they get headaches from the allergy. Take away food with color such as cereals chocolate and foods with cafine. I do know as I work with children like her at school on a daily basis. Also do you have old carpeting kids can have allergies to old carpets. Good Luck

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K.V.

answers from Boston on

She is definitely angry at something and is frustrated in not being able to have a proper outlet. This is I would do:
No TV...it would go in a closet.
Look over all books that she has read to her-making sure about the content is about good behavior.
Talk to the teacher about bullies, attitudes from other children toward her and other distractions...is the class size too big?
Does she need to be in school at this point? If not, bring her home...she may need the extra time at home to just play.
I know a lot of moms do not like this, but I would swat her bottom for direct rebellion. It only takes a couple of times and it does work.
Most of all, reward her good behavior with hugs/kisses and special treats. Overly rewarding her for awhile will ease her anger and she will open up to you as she feels like you are on her side, in trying to understand the problem.

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R.F.

answers from Boston on

Do you suppose she's having a hard time dealing with the new baby on the way?? Is she getting enough positive attention? Kids who feel like they aren't getting enough attention will go for whatever kind will get them the most immediate results..negative or positive. Is something going on at school that makes her behave this way? Have you tried talking to her and asking her why she acts this way? Try starting up a casual conversation with her during a time when she's doing something she likes to do and ask her if she can tell you why she behaves that way. Once you open this type of dialogue with her you can talk to her about more appropriate ways to deal with her frustrations.

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C.H.

answers from Boston on

that kind of animosity is not normal in a 3 year old. i obviously dont know her history, but for some reason this little girl is angry. While she may need discipline, she may also need some counseling. Check with her pediatrician, they can suggest someone who deals with behavioral prob with young kids. It will only get worse... Also, only allow her to watch PBS type shows, none of that nick and disney teen shows in the evening. I find also that if my kids are acting out, theyre needing a bit more of my time. I shut the TV off, and get them started with art and crafts, reading books, games or even just coloring on the floor with them. Hide and seek around the house with daddy is their favorite...just some suggestions... Hope it get easier and good luck

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L.S.

answers from Boston on

Hi A.,

What she always like this or is this behavior "new" since you became pregnat? My take is that she may be acting out of jealousy for the new baby that's coming. Also you may want to speak to her about the baby and she will be helping care for baby's needs when's he/she's born. Tell her that she needs to act-out good behaviors so the baby can follow her. Tell her that you know she's going to be a BIG helper. Also have daddy spent more time with her. This will reassured her that she'll always be his princess. GOOD LUCK.

L. ;-)

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D.F.

answers from Boston on

If you get any good advice could you please pass it on to me as my 4 yr old is acting the same way. you wish you could just beet it out of them. some one told me to record her throwing a fit then let her watch it and see how she looks to others and it might stop but I dont have a movie camera. Debbie

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L.S.

answers from Hartford on

I went threw this with my daughter who is now 13. The kicking and spiting and hitting have stopped but the screaming has not.oooooooy we deal with a nightly tantrum/does your daughter upset the wholehouse when she is in her mood???

I know how you feel, anyway what is the school doing about her behaviors????And is this happening at home also???? start documenting so you have info for your pediatrician

Over the years i have taken my daughter to at least 3 specialist, a neurologist, a pedia psychiatrist, as well as her pediatrician.
She was dx's with mild oppositional defiant disorder. She does not show these symtoms to her teachers, but the kids know something and most treat her like dirt/ because she acts like a baby.
I would take your daughter to her pediatrician first and then they can reccomend who to take her to in your area, she needs an evaluation to see whats going on.

good luck to you and congrats on the new wee one on the way

everything always works out, seek the assistance you need.
Mom's always know that something is not right, take care

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J.S.

answers from Providence on

Do you think that she's getting jealous of her little unborn baby brother? Do you talk to much about "the baby" when she's around? Maybe she feels like she's losing the attention she used to get when she was smaller so she's trying to get your attention that way. Be careful!

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