how to get them to do what you say.....

[susyp]

my just turned 3 year old is currently point blank refusing to do anything i say. it;s driving me completely potty. she has always been fairly boisterous and "challenging" but now I fear I am completely losing control. had an ok day on saturday when it was just me and her at home (no builders, no dad), and her choice was - do you want a good girl sticker or to sit on the naughty step.... and she enjoyed helping me clean up the house after a week of builders , but out and about - total nightmare. she comes across as an out of control child and me as a terrible mother as i do tear my hair out a bit in public. i don;t know if she is just a bit rudderless come summer holidays, but we still have a long way to go! Got a crash week long course of swimming lessons starting next monday which will either be a complete disaster or a triumph.

arg

Susypx

[cuppa tea]

Why is it worse when you are out and about? Do you have more expectations on her to be 'well-behaved'? I find with my challenging 4 yr old that when I am under pressure and stressed because I care about being perceived to be a good mother (whatever that is!), that he picks up on my tension and then neither of us handle tricky situations well. Personally I would give yourself a break and find places and people that help you to feel more relaxed and that give your daughter freedom and space. I would imagine she's just being a little kid, in her own world and with her own agenda.

Separating your daughter's behaviour from your parenting can help keep things less stressful...very hard to do I know!