Is this normal three year old behavior for boys?

Question

I think overall my son is normal but he does certain things that I don't understand. When we are at a restaurant he will sometimes just yell for no other reason then to get others attention. He also likes to call things p**p. He is fascinated with that word. He will say p**p pancakes, p**p juice etc. Any suggestions on handling his behavior? Usually I take him to the bathroom and get down to his level and tell him "we do not scream in restaurants and we do not say p**p" Usually that stops him but he still seems to do it the next time we go. It seems each time I have to pull him aside and warn him. Is this just a phase? I would love anyones advice who has been there or knows what I am talking about.

Answer 1

I think its normal. Kids cant reason, so if they want attention, that is a fail proof way to get it. Maybe next time you go to a restaurant, try to make him a big part of the conversation. Most likely though, he will grow out of soon. You will look back and laugh about your son being the p**p boy!

Answer 2

add, adhd, autism? or hes just plain hyper, like me when i was younger. i was never able to sit still. but now im just a normal kid with a very good GPA in high school. although its still hard for me to pay attention sometimes...

Answer 3

Your child does not have ADD ADHD or Autism as the first poster suggested. Your son is at an age where he is learning where his boundaries are, and the only way to learn is to test the limits. He knows it bothers you to act up and use "bad" words and wants to see what he can get away with.

You are doing GREAT by not over reacting and simply taking him away from the center of attention and clearly telling him in terms he can understand that his behavior is unacceptable. Definately encourage proper behavior and continue to correct him just how you have been. Just remember he will grow out of it (although I know groen men who are still amuzed by burp and f**t jokes). :o) Good luck!

Answer 4

It sounds like you are doing a great job! It is just a phase...children get obsessed with body functions at this age, and also like reactions. Perhaps the next time you go to a restaurant you can have the conversation in the car, and let him know what the consequence is. (It might be good to bribe him with something if he is good...at least until he starts to not have this behavior). You could tell him he only gets dessert if he doesn't scream and doesn't say p**p. If he does those things, do NOT give him ice cream.

Another idea might be to practice and praise at home. When you are home, thank him for showing manners and for using appropriate behavior. Tell him that that's such a big- boy way to behavr, and you love it when he acts like that. It will make him happy to know he is pleasing you because he loves you. Then you can remind him about what a good, well-mannered, big boy he is before you go to the restaurant. (You can even ask him to list things that big boys do at restaurants and things babies do, and then have him decide if he is a big boy or a baby. If he chooses baby, then bring him baby food instead of buying him a kids meal or sharing your restaurant food--it will ge his attention quickly.)

Good luck!

Answer 5

it is a phase

Answer 6

I would not label him as having add or being autistic. He sounds like a normal spirited 3 y/o to me. My son is 3 and he is obsessed with bugs. If he sees food he is not familer with then it must be a bug. One time we went out to eat and I got shrimp. I asked if he wanted to try one and he yelled no ewww bugs, bugs. The poor table behind thought there was bugs everywhere lol.

I would sit him down and let him know that even though the word p**p might be funny to him it's not a nice word to use when asking for food. It's a stage I'm sure he'll grow out of it.

Answer 7

O my gosh!! I had to do a double take on this. I thought it was my sister writing this question. My nephew thinks p**p is so funny. You ask him what he wants to eat or drink and he says p**p. He even wanted a p**p cake for his birthday. This is just a phase. He is three and to him p**p is funny. I would not make this a big deal it's normal just ignore it. As for screaming at the restaurant I think your doing everything right with that. You still have to remember he is three and he is going to test you.

Answer 8

The 'p**p' fascination is completely age appropriate, and very common among little boys, especially.

Now, if he still has this little obsession 20 years from now, I would be very surprised and think you should make him seek help! (just kidding) ;)

Answer 9

Definitely normal - I have been exactly where you are now. My son was totally fascinated with anything to do with toilet behaviour - it will go on for a while yet, but with boys its totally normal. Try not to stress too much, he's only three and doing what three year old boys do.