That is the question that Erin asked me when I went to visit her after a few months of not seeing her. Uhm… how do you answer a first-time mom experiencing her first terrible three?
If you thought “terrible twos” were a menace, then you should wait for the experience when your kid hits three years of age. That cute baby that everyone else wishes they could spend their time with can test your patience in different ways, and you can only endure it because it’s a natural stage that every child has to go through.
The amazing thing is that the kid will always be okay with the things it’s doing, not understanding the agony it’s taking you through.“Terrible threes” will make your life unbearable at times, when you aren’t sure of how to react to the odd behavior. It will be tricky because you aren’t sure of how to respond to unexpected outbursts of range, the unending tantrums and back-talking.
Children will go through different phases before they are matured to differentiate right from wrong. You should, therefore, take it easy and learn how to handle the rebellious nature of your kid who is at the “terrible three” stage.
You should first understand that at that stage they want to show their independence after learning that they don’t have to be in diapers or alert you when they need to take a leak. You, however, should be alert and find positive means of taking control of the situation, to tame the child not to take advantage of the independence longer than expected.
Even though the kid is at that stage exploring new experiences, testing your reaction and discovering various things in life, you should take control and guide him or her not to stray too much and fail to identify the bad behavior. The following tips will guide you on how to deal positively with the situation.
Do Not Blank It Off, Deal With It Instantly
In order to get the right starting point, allow yourself to suffer through the tough experience in its initial stages. That will help you to come up with the right style of reprimanding the kid. Even though the behavior won’t last for long if handled properly, don’t allow the kid to have his or her way by throwing tantrums, talking back at you or outbursts. Counter the behavior with the right discipline so that he or she can understand that the habit isn’t welcome in your home.
Being tough politely is vital because it’s at this stage that you will be shaping the kid to handle other people with respect by avoiding indiscipline. Soon they will be heading to school, later to high school and eventually to their workplace where indiscipline won’t be tolerated.
Show Some Love As You Test Different Remedies
Don’t alter your love for the child. It’s just a phase of his or her growth and they obviously will outgrow it, and eventually when all is over you will be left feeling like you have just had a long, hot shower. If at all you will be ready for the experience, apply the discipline firmly knowing that you are only helping the kid to be a well-behaved person later in his or her life.
Some methods of disciplining your kid will work better than others. You also will not want to spoil the special kind of friendship you have with the kid and the love you have for each other.
As you caution and guide them therefore, let them understand the advantage of being well-behaved. Be cool at all times when dealing with the naughty behavior of your kid. Act cool and be firm in handling the tough early days when your child is learning, because in the process he or she will take after you. Show them the importance of responding in the right way to frustrations, disappointments and other emotional situations.
Tell Your Friends Of Your Experience
Sometimes we fear sharing the experiences we have with our kids, and when they are at the “terrible three” phase you might fear tugging them along when going for your groceries or for some refreshments in the restaurant. Don’t hide the struggle because exposing it will help you to come up with working remedies that will help you shape your child to be a better adult later in life.