New found anger in 3 year old

[CawMama]

Hi mamas....My first time posting here. Hoping to gain some insight.

Ds has been a VERY laid back and easy going child thus far. In the last 2 weeks or so, he has really started having outbursts. I know that he is angry or frustrated about something, and that he is wanting to be independent.

I'm trying to give him his space when he starts having a "fit". If I try talking to him, he just cries or yells louder (obviously, he is not interested or capable of hearing what I have to say). Usually, once he calms down a bit, I can talk to him about it. I ask him if he was mad or frustrated, and why.

Please offer me some guidance on helping my son learn to deal with these new feelings he is having.

[bendingbirch]

Hi there,
Thanks for posting here. It can be a tough transition to three-ness can't it?

I don't know your situation - has something changed - is he in daycare where something changed? Eating certain foods that trigger him? How is his sleep?
Is he getting his energy out in the day and has anything in his daily routine changed? How are you - are you feeling calm and peaceful or are things going on with you that he is reflecting?

If nothiing is new, then essentially it sounds like you are asking for temper tantrum management......I find that in the flood of emotions of the moment, words truly do not help and sometimes, depending on the child, can just escalate things. Some children if they are not "too far gone" can be distracted with a change of scenary, a snack if blood sugar is low,a story or new activity....If the tantrum is gone, some children need to be held, some need you close by but not to be touched...If the tantrum is subsiding, then perhaps some of the distraction things will help.

Here is a post from my blog on handling tantrums: http://theparentingpassageway.com/20...smearing-peas/

And Peaceful Parenting with a three year old: http://theparentingpassageway.com/20...hree-year-old/

I highly recommend you read the book "Your Three Year Old" by the Gesell Institute, most libraries or La Leche League groups have it...it will help you as you navigate this transition.

That is at least a few ideas to get you going I think,

[CawMama]

Carrie....thanks so much for the info. I really appreciate your taking the time to respond!