3 yr old going thru weepie stage - any advice

[mysticmark]

Our little girl, who has previouspy been very confident and insistent on doing things right and by herself, started a couple of weeks ago to get really tearful and loudly emotional when she has to wash / eat / not eat / anything not involving a lolly!

We probably did allow too many (mostly healthy) snacks before and are trying to reign that in, but this seems a wider matter.

Been thru similar phases with yours? It can be hard to deal with and can come on pretty suddenly.

[Saffron]

Instead of terrible-2s, we've had traumatic-3s. I think it's normal for some children to hit this stage later than others. Aside from changing the snacks, has anything else changed? New routine at nursery etc? Change can be tough on little ones of any age. Same guidelines as for tantrums in 2yos have helped our teary 3yo. Xx

[mysticmark]

Thanks S. Only other change has been hot weather which started at a similar time; certainly affected her sleep on some days. Anyway guess abundance of patient listening and explaining is best, just not always oreferable to be honest when doing other things, like about to go out with rest of family, but guess all part of rich tapestry :). Thanks for reassurances S

[sugarmouse]

My nearly 4 year old daughter has just turned weepy and full of tantrums! Everyone used to say how lucky we were to have such a grown-up, calm girl but in the last few months, she whines, weedles, and throws herself on the floor if she doesn't get her own way. It's a bit of a shock after nearly four years! I think she's bored but unfortunately isn't starting school this year as she's an October birthday. Not sure what the answer is but she's definitely worse when tired and/or hungry. Lots of sleep, food and patience needed!

[Piaf]

Same here: our nearly four yr old has started throwing Wobblies after three yrs of being v grown up ... Tantrums and also weepy at nursery. Putting it down to new baby and some building work at home causing upheaval but may also be frustratation as above posts... It is certainly tiring But by sounds of it not unusual!