HELP! my 3 year old is pushing me to my limits!?

Question

My son has been horrible these last few days, I feel my patience getting thinner and thinner, I just don't know what to do with him, I do everything from counting him then putting him on time out, i've swatted his butt many times, he is talking back to me (I can't believe that!!) he whines all thet ime and won't talk in his normal voice as i tell him to do this is our biggest problem right now is the whining and "baby voice" we do not like it at all, and he gets told MANY MANY times to use his big boy voice and to stop talking like a baby, I just don't know, he is getting on my last nerve and i just don't know what to do with him! I'm trying to stick to my guns too but i find myself getting upset with him and I end up yelling, he is a very smart little boy and understands pretty much everything, I realize he is only 3 but he knows how to push my buttons, and the whining is driving me crazy, that he throws a HUGE tantrum every time he is told he can't do or have something, such as ice cream before he's eaten his dinner, I just don't know what we're doing wrong, we disapline him consistantly when he needs it, time outs seem to be happening ALL THE TIME, and I just don't know what to do with the lil man right now!! I'm trying to keep my patience but it's flying out the window literally!!! I think he's bored and I"ve been trying to make him play dates and keep him busy like playing with play dough and we've been going on walks everyday but it seems no matter what the kid won't stop whining and throwing tantrums!!! i'd appreciate no rude or immature answers!!! thanks for your time.

Answer 1

I so feel for you. I have a daughter who just turned 4 yrs old. She still tests me at times but I let her know that I am her mom and she WILL NOT treat me like that. Sometimes when she really is in one of those moods I will get down face to face with her, hold her arm, not hard, just enough to keep her there, then look her in the eyes with a serious look on my face and tell her in a firm voice that she will not act like that anymore and she will respect me. She was worse when she was 3. Now that she is 4 like I said she still tests me but I just let her know I mean buisness. Don't know if this helps any but I do know what you are going through, in a way.  

Answer 2

He is testing you because that's what kids do.  I think you're doing great.  Just be consistent and use appropriate punishment, which you have stated that you are.

Answer 3

Oh, how I remember those days.  Find him a playmate fast.  Keep being consistent.  He is still young enough for quiet time or a nap.  Get him to do a lot of physical activity during the day.  Everytime he throws one of those tantrums, walk away from him or just stand there and stare at him, watch to see how he reacts to you not reacting.  When he does that baby talk, act like you can't hear him until he uses his regular voice, catch him being a good boy.  Be firm and consistent or he will become confused and think he will be able to get what he wants if he throws his tantrums long enough.  A swat on the behind should be done with caution and used as the last kind of discipline, but if needed, it should be swift and NOT done out of anger.  If it gets to the point you think you can't take it anymore, call a friend, to come over and watch him and let them know you just need a break to collect yourself. Go to the library, a movie, or to a park. For some reason he seems to be angry, take him in and have him evaluated to see whats going on.

Answer 4

the answer is simple he is trying to get attention even if its bad if he acts up ignore him and don't even look at him then when he is being a good boy  show him attention but don't drown him in it. soon he will give up the bad habits and be a good boy

Answer 5

let me tell u i have a lil sister and her dad's side of the family let her get away wit NE THING u have to stop him wat do i think keep on swattin that booty n if thats not hurting him go out n buy sumthin like a ruler r a paddle (like in ping pong) n get him on his legs r use that ruler to get his nuckles

Answer 6

It sounds like there are a couple of things going on.  

#1 - He is 3!  Everyone says terrible two's but I think it is terrible 3's.

#2 - It sounds like he is craving attention, one on one time, anything that will help him with his self esteem building; Reading together, playing games of his choice, and just plain sining and dancing!