HELP! Tantrum throwing, crying, whiny 3yo--need reassurance

[megr]

My son just turned 3 and is constantly throwing tantrums, crying, and crabby. I thought it was related to bad sleep, but he had a nap (doesn't nap regularly) and a good sleep last night and woke up in a bad mood, was tantruming in bed. I *think* this is in the realm of normal, but he was such an easy baby up till recently that it's a little hard to take. I am losing my patience and really starting to hate being a mom...which used to be what I most loved. Every little thing is a struggle from getting out of bed, to getting breakfast, getting dressed, pottying. We haven't gotten anything done in days and now there's no food in the house, I can't cook, I haven't worked (I'm a WAHM), and I feel like things are falling down around me. Any advice to how I can keep my cool and get through it?? Anyone else experience such a difficult stage with their toddler?

[simplycrunchy]

Right there with you. I just keep telling myself that it's a stage and normal and we'll get through it. I'm finding games/choices are helping with some things. For getting dressed, I give her three choices for her diaper, her pants, and her shirt. She hops to her choice for each one. I'm also trying to limit battles. If we aren't going anywhere, then she can stay in her jammies all day instead of battling over clothes. I'm also talking to her before things that are a battle- like today I had to change a poopy diaper while we were at my mom's house. It's been a huge battle lately, so I got down to her level and kind of guided her face to look at me with my hand. I said to her "Sweetie, mommy needs to change your diaper so you don't get a rash, but I really don't want to make you sad about it and have you get angry with me. Can we pretend to pause the game you are playing so you will come with me and let me do it? I need you to be brave and not fight with me about it please." For some reason, it worked and she was totally willing. If only that worked every time! Anyhow, hang in there mama, we'll get through this stage!