My Toddler Cries for the Slightest Reason and Carries on for About 30 Minutes

I would completely ignore him and not give in to what he wants. When he realizes that throwing a fit wont get him anything, he might stop.

OK, Mine may be a different approach, but when my kids did this, i would just state the facts...."Oh wow, I see you have a bit of a problem there. I can see how frustrating it is too. Boy, i can't wait to see how you figure this one out, be sure to come and tell/show me when you do though okay honey!" Then I walk away. -- This empathizes with what he is feeling, which is frustration and he needs to learn how to process that, just like self soothing it isn't something we can teach. Next, it shows i have faith that he is smart enough to get it on his own and doesn't need my help. Third, i kind of imply a bit of a challenge which can give him just a boost to figure it out. And lastly, I have communicated that what is happening is HIS problem & not mine and is HIs responsibilty to figure out, not mine!! it is worth a try after all, it can't be any worse right? LOL, best of luck to you.

It sounds like he is tired or just needs some cuddles and extra attention.He is using negative behaviour to get the attention.
My three old does it when he needs the above.The fake crying is a sure sign.Don't let him know you know it is fake.
I try to find a balance,where I give him a big cuddle and kiss.If he continues then time out etc.
Know when to be firm and strict and know when to be gentle and supportive.Thats the key for all us mothers of two-three year olds.I'm still learning every day myself!!
Best of luck and congrats with new baby
B.

He could be tired and any little thing he does that doesn't work is getting him worked up, or he is a perfectionist that has to get it right. Aside from him being a normal 3 yr old, let him cry out his frustration. Leave him alone and when he is done with the meltdown, talk to him, reassure him, hug him and give whatever he needs for comfort. You did the right thing. We all get mad and kids are no different, they just show it as tantrums because they don't know any other way.

Honey, he sounds tired. How is he sleeping? Is it possible that he doesn't feel well?

Best wishes and blessings

Comforting does in no way show him it's okay to behave this way. Comforting is separate from whether he should or shouldn't be doing something. Comforting is helping to reground him and is showing him you are there for him and in no way sends a mixed signal.

If he wants comforting, for real, fake or whatever cries, then give it to him and fill his cup. However, if he doesn't want comforting, then allow him his feelings and let him work it out.

Threes are often a really tough age. They are very illogical and the flipping from high to low in a second is very normal. (not fun, but expected). His brain is developing and part of that development is the regulation between his higher brain (rational thought) and his lower brain (instincts and anger). You can google "reptilian brain" for more information.

Hang in there. Remember it's him, not you and it's nothing personal. Congratulations on your upcoming family member!

You are pregnant... did you explain that to him?

I was pregnant.. when my daughter was 3 years old. I spent a TON of time on her.... not my pregnancy... prepping her about it.
I explained to her in age appropriate ways... about my being pregnant. That Mommy will get tired sometimes and need to rest, and take care of my tummy. That her baby brother was in there.
We took tons of photos of her with my tummy... she loved that.
She sang to my tummy and told her baby brother stories. She rubbed my tummy. She bonded with her baby brother in my tummy.
I took her to all my prenatal exams, which my Doc encouraged and he even taught her how to use the Doppler heart monitor on my Tummy. She loved that.
I showed her my ultrasound of her baby brother.
We took naps together... when I needed to. She understood.
I included her... in my pregnancy, not making it 'my' pregnancy.
I talked to her about how it will be when I am in the hospital and Daddy will be with her at home.
I talked to her about what a baby "is." That it cries/needs to nurse/ wakes at all hours... and it is Mommy's 'job'... so she does not have to worry.
She and I made up our OWN special hand-shakes and head-nods... that we could do to each other... just because and to bond. She loved that.
I explained... it to her. That helped her a LOT.
She then had no jealousy or attention issues. AND I taught her that she is my FIRST baby... always. And she can tell me ANYTHING, now and when baby comes home. She felt assured that way....

As my tummy grew and it got harder to move around or go upstairs, I explained that to her. She understood. She'd even help nudge my tush, when I was going up stairs. "Helping" me. Or if I could not get down on the ground to play, she understood... because I explained to her. She understood.

3 years old is a hard age for a child. They cannot do what is in their heads. Their emotions are not even fully developed yet. They are not expert at communicating yet. They may not even know the names for their feelings... so teach him that. AND that he can tell you... no matter what... that you and he are a "team." For anything.

That is what helped my daughter at this difficult age... and being pregnant at the same time.
I prepped her, on my pregnancy and WAY before... her baby brother came home. So it was not all a 'shock' to her and a huge adjustment.

all the best,
Susan

My 2 year old has started this recently and I understand it's just natural for this age. The best thing I've found is to NOT give this bad behavior any attention. If it's a full-blown tantrum, put him in his room until he's over it.

Good luck!