The past month has been very trying w/ my 3 year old dau. Everything I ask her to do turns into a power struggle, even going to the bathroom and brushing her teeth. I know to choose my battles, but there are some that can not be avoided. Does anyone know of good liturature to help w/ this?
Yep--3 was much worse than 2! I thought I was "home free" after 2 and then--blammo! LOL
I think the best thing (I still struggle with this with my 5 yo son) is NOT to negotiate about every little thing that they need to do. Easier said than done, I know.
A.,
I know exactly what you are going through right now. I have a three year old (boy) and everything is a power struggle. I feel bad because literally everything has to become a comotion, that is after me being calm and talking to him about what and why we need to do whatever it is that we need to do, After explaining to him, after listening to his concerns, etc.... I always begin with ignoring the complaining and being positive about it but then its like he knows at what point i just give up and get frustrated. Ex: getting him dressed in the morning...eventually i just have to hold him down to get him dressed, b/c every morning he kicks me as i'm trying to dress him. I thought "terrible two's" were over! I will just continue to have as much patience as possible and to explain and listen to him, hoping that one day the power struggles will lessen. Good luck and i'll be sure to see what the others suggest to you. L.
Just stick with it. If it is something she must do then there is no debate over it.
Hi Anna,
I'm experiencing the same thing with my 2 year old! She has an answer for everything, her hands start going and she starts pacing. I've just been very consistant. I let her know what we have to do and I have fallen sucker to the reward system. You're right to choose your battles, but stay firm and constant. Hopefully it passes!
