Your 3 year old can become so angry when they are frustrated, encounter a challenge, are unable to communicate their wants or are being deprived of a basic need.
Sometimes a 3 year old may just be upset that they cannot do something they want to do and they hate being told no.
Your 3 year old is so difficult as it's a part of normal behavior and part of the growing process.
Your 3 year old is developing their language, memory and imagination and it's a time where they are seeking independence and are trying to push boundaries.
3 year olds are actually very difficult and they sometimes get more difficult as they age.
In my oldest I found that he was more difficult at 3 years of age than he was at 2 years of age.
Make staying calm your goal.
Follow through with consequences.
Give simple choices.
Praise your child's positive behavior.
Spend one-on-one time with your child.
Include plenty of play time (especially outdoors)
Focus on your child's most offending behavior.
Normal 3 year old behavior includes lying, biting, hitting, aggression, meltdowns and tantrums.
However if the aggression gets too severe or they are getting to the point of where they are getting out of control or may hurt someone or themselves then taking the 3 year old to a behavioral therapist is a good idea.
Your toddler should see a behavioral therapist if the toddlers behavior is getting out of control and is more than just normal toddler behavior.
It's normal for toddlers to throw tantrums and act out and kick and scream etc but if it gets to the point of where they are going to hurt themselves are disruptive or if the toddler may hurt someone else or the toddlers behavior gets worse then the toddler does need behavioral therapy.
Behavioral therapy for toddlers is a type of therapy that teaches the toddler and their families how to strengthen positive child behaviors and eliminate or reduce unwanted or problem behaviors.
One type of behavioral therapy is parent training in behavior management.
The therapist works with parents to learn or improve skills to manage the toddlers behavior.
Behavioral therapy is predicated on four main principles: Reinforcement of good behavior with praise and/or some sort of reward.
Discouraging unwanted behavior by ignoring it so a child doesn't get negative attention.
Taking away a privilege for egregious behavior that can't be ignored.
From tantrums and meltdowns to asserting their independence by saying "no" or ignoring the rules, these 3- and 4-year-old behaviors are normal.
In fact, they are a natural part of growing up.
But sometimes, these behavior issues become problematic.
Here are a few of the most common regressions that signal that your child may need counseling: Bedwetting (when already night trained) Frequent temper tantrums.
Separation anxiety and clinginess.
Mental health problems in children and young people (CYP) include several types of emotional and behavioral disorders, including disruptive, depression, anxiety and pervasive developmental (autism) disorders, characterized as either “internalizing” or “externalizing”.
Parents typically attend 8-16 sessions with a therapist and learn strategies to help their child.
Sessions may involve groups or individual families.
After therapy ends, families continue to experience improved behavior and reduced stress.
It's best to speak to your pediatrician or specialist if your child is exhibiting consistent undesirable behavior that puts them or other children in danger or makes social situations impossible.
Your child may need a professional assessment or have special needs that need to be navigated.