My 3yr old daughtr has gone to the extreme just because she thinks thats the way she'll grab mommys attention?

Question

I'am worried, a while ago she came out of her room naked and when I questionned her why she did that she just kept saying "I don't know"...She was never like that until I gave birth to my second child which is a boy...I never thought the birth of her baby brother would impact her this much...What should I do? My life is just so complicatd at this point I'am going through a divorce, custody battle, and on top of that I'm in a great big mess of depression. What can I do to show her mommy's here for her and that she does'nt have to do all that she does to grab my attention...I'am worried because my parents say I was exactly like that when I was small and I've made alot of mistakes since...for example: I made wong choices at the age of only 14 to get pregnant and got married at eighteen. What can I do help PLEASE!!!!!! I think I need and experienced person or and expert at this point...I'am so sad right now...:-(♥

Answer 1

just let her run around naked. that's minor. my 3 yr old does it.  she used to do it to prolong the nighttime routine. she gets 3 laps around the kitchen and that's it. try to laugh at it. maybe she wants to see you smile.

Answer 2

I am a father of two and I am going through this with my oldest son. He just turned 4 and my newest is 6 months. First of all....stop being so hard on yourself about your past. We have all made mistakes. That is what we do at those ages. You may not have made wise choices but you dealt with it so look at the positive side. Life is lived and learned by trial and error. You are dealing with a lot with your divorce and post partum depression so you must understand that your hormones are still out of whack and that what you feel is normal. Second...realize that your 3 year old is doing what is totally natural for her to do. DO NOT think that just because she is acting like you acted then that she will repeat your exact steps through life. She won't because you are going to teach her different. It's hard to have to deal with life and divorce and still be there for your kids when you feel as if no one is there for you. Buts that what being a parent is all about. I tell my son that the new baby is his baby. When you keep doing this, and allowing her to act as if she is contributing to the baby's upkeep....you will see that she will begin to accept and protect the child instead of competing against him for your attention. A good example of this is to put a diaper on the bed and say, " Let's change --the baby name---diaper." Have your daughter go to the bed and get the diaper and show her how to change it. Then give her the old diaper and let her put it in the garbage. Congratulate her when she does this and hold the baby up and tell her...the baby says thank you. Make sure you use your newborns name and not the actual word "baby" because that will put your daughter in competitive mode because up until now she has been the baby. By using each childs name and allowing the older to help with the newborns upkeep...you will always show your daughter that she is significant and yet be giving her attention at the same time. This also allows all of you to bond. This will be therapy for you too and reinforces the feeling of family even in the midst of a divorce. Stay strong.....the sun will yet rise tomorrow and it will begin a new day.

Answer 3

I'm pretty sure every child goes through that around 3 years old.

My sister did it. Heck, sometimes she still does at 11 when my dad's not there.

Both of my cousins did it too.

I wouldn't worry about it so much.

But, just tell her that she'll always be mommy's favorite oldest daughter. That's what my parent's told me when my sister was born. I was seven and way jealous. I think it's just the adjustment of not being the youngest anymore. But telling her she'll always be special helps out a lot. Because then she'll know that there maybe a younger child, but he can never be mommy's favorite oldest daughter.

Answer 4

aw :/ Tell her what you just said. that mommys here for her. and pay extra attention. they reflect of off your emotions. & they pick up EVERYTHING thats going on. babies are smart.

Answer 5

If getting naked is her only means of getting attention I wouldn't worry too much. That is a normal phase anyway. I still like to walk around with no clothes on and I'm 25. She should never feel ashamed about her body at any age.

To make her feel loved be there for her. Try your best to not let your emotions be put off on her, and be positive, even when you have to force it. Things and sometimes even pretending you are happy will make you feel better.

Answer 6

Don't worry so much.  Coming out naked at age 3 doesn't mean she's going to go wild later.  I'm guessing you haven't had much contact with other kids that age, but little kids LOVE to be naked.  It's not a big deal.  Just tell her that she needs to keep her clothes on when there are visitors at the house.  Really.... it's not a big deal.  Don't worry about it.  You've got  enough to worry about.

Answer 7

I dont have any advice we are going through some of the same things at my house my daughter is 3 almost 4 and we have a 3 week old little girl. My oldest has started saying you dont love me and not really acting out just kinda of different normally she is well behaved sweet girl. I have her help me do every thing explain every time she says you dont love me that yes i love her and she is important and special. Her father and I make sure she gets time alone with one of us at least once or twice a week . I see some improvement but its still killing me I just cry some days. I know this didnt help you but at least you know you are not alone good luck hang in there