My almost 4yo is driving me nuts

[Katie T]

I have a little guy who will be 4 in September.

I am sure some of you can relate, but if anyone has anything that they have found to help please please share it with me.

My DS is trying to cut out his naps (as in refusing to nap, laying with him for literally hours only to have him not nap) and so he is always really crabby and melt downy. He can listen and does pretty well at home but as soon as we step into the public eye he starts his "bad" behavior.

He will freak out at the drop of a hat, scream in a quiet room (church and such) run like a crazy man, put his fingers in his mouth (he stopped using othe binky all on his own at 3.5) if someone talks tp him he overlaps his lips so you can't understand him and talk.

I to timeout when we are in public because I was thinking that he thought I wouldn't do it for some reason (he used to be fine in public so really no reason for anything more than redirection/correction). Even with showing him I won't put up with it he continues to do the behaviors.

We can't always leave (Dr appts) and even with doing the timeouts it usually doesn't stop the behavior. What have others found to help make is a sane experience taking a almost 4yo out in public? I never had issues like this with DD1.

What makes it even harder to deal with is the fact that I have him acting like this and a newly 2yo to handle as well. It was easier with a colicy newborn and a 21mo than it is now.

[Kaimamasan]

Me too!

I don't have any advice, other than to say we are in the same boat. DS just turned 3, and turned from an angel to a imp overnight.
He naps just fine at daycare, but just will not do it at home anymore, which makes for horrific afternoons.

I too lie down for hours with him, only to be crawled upon and chatted to the whole time. Even if I pretend to be asleep it continues. Not even nursing helps anymore, which used to be my go-to sleep aid. Dark room, no stimulation, no toys etc. does not seem to have an impact. I might as well be trying to get him to nap on a merry-go-round.

For the afternoon melts, I do the 1-2-3 magic technique, which works most of the time, but when he is really exhausted, early bedtime is the only cure. At least I get more of an evening to myself now (before all this, he would never be asleep before 9 or 10).

All this to say that I feel your pain, and that this too shall pass (it better.)

Hugs Mamma!

[Katie T]

Thanks for your reply, how do you do the 1 2 3 magic?

Mine guy was the worlds best little boy and then bam at just after 3 or so he changed over night. I think that is one reason why I am struggling to find a good way to deal with it. What I have done in the past just doesn't seem to be effective. I used to always be one to say consistency is key, but I have learned a hard lesson that that isn't always true.

I hope we both find it to get easier. Mine too would be up late before giving up his nap and now he will sometimes crash early but like last night no nap and was up till 10:30. I and his dad had tried to get him to sleep but I had canning to get done so gave up and he sat and watched till he finally decided he was tired and fell asleep.

He has been screaming and I can't wait till after dinner when I can get him to sleep.

[Kaimamasan]

Here is a link to a description of the 1-2-3 magic technique:

http://www.cyberparent.com/spoiled/123magic.htm

Its not rocket science, and sometimes I feel like a jerk doing it (as an AP parent, its hard for me not to take the soft approach. ) I know there are several threads about it on these boards if you don't want to rush out and buy the book.

Anyway, I am impressed that you have time for canning with three children! You must be doing something right.

DS is flipping out right now about not wanting to take a bath. I think I'll just sit here at the computer and let his father deal.

[Katie T]

lol, canning comes after they are in bed (usually). I will check the link out thanks.