Major Clinginess and Other Behaviors in 3 1/2 Year Old!

Oh I know what you are going through! The only advice that I can give that worked for me was you have to be consistent and follow through! I'm sure you are already but just like potty training, persistence will pay off in the end. Also, for whatever reason my DS would really calm down during a tantrum when I asked him if he wanted a hug. His answer was always yes. This may or may not work for you, but it's worth a try. When he would hit me I would look at him straight in the eye and very sternly say "You are not being nice to me right now. Please let me know when you can be nice and I will play with you again". Worked like a charm.

Your DS is growing up and there is so much going on with him emotionally. Be patient, kind and loving. That he is clinging to you while you are trying to get ready for work tells me he needs you more than ever right now. Of course he doesn’t want Mommy to leave but maybe he is having a hard time expressing that?? His little world is changing so much in his mind that he needs you to reassure him.

As long as you are consistent, this will pass.

HTH

We just kept repeating - no hitting or pushing, mommy can play with you when you stop hurting. While time outs may work for some parents - there are lots of other tools in the toolbox - try googling 'positive discipline' - there is a great yahoo group) if they don't seem right to you. For the clinginess sometimes it helps to give him some completely undivided attention for a period of time and then do what you need to do. And yes - it all sounds perfectly normal.

Hi Mama
I have a degree in child psychology and every word of it went out the window when I became a mother LOL
I also have a three year old and its hard work to find a good balance between having boundaries ,discipline and giving lots of love and attention.
I try to be firm but fair,strict and strong,loving and kind.
When he acting up it could be a sign of looking for attention so try giving him a big hug and kiss first. If this doesn't work time out has to happen.
You said he has a strong personality,he is testing you. On a positive this strength will stand to him in later life.
You seem to be doing everything right so I suggest to stay strong and make sure that your hubsand is on board with you and doesn't allow this behaviour to happen when he sees it.
I really think the threes are a lot harder than the twos so theres light at the end of the tunnel.
Roll on the fours!!!!
Wishing you all the best
B.