Do any of you guys have

[lovemykids]

a head strong 3 year old? Man she is stuborn, She really never does a thing that I tell her to. I guess it is a stage. I was just hoping that there was someone else going through some of the same things that I am.

[lovemykids]

Yeah I think I need to come up with a new punishment cause what we have tried before never works. Have you tried a time out chair? I was thinking of buying a little chair and sitting it in the corner and making her sit in it when she does not listen. I wonder if that might work?

[lovemykids]

No I have not read any of his books. Thanks for the tip though I might just have to check that out. I am excited we are about to start a parenting class at our church so I am hoping that I can pick up some pointers there as well.

[edensmom30]

I am right there with you ladies. Dd is 2 1/2 and so much like I am, Stubborn, Strong willed. She would not stay in a chair or in her room for timeout so we had to turn her doorknob to have the lock face the outside. I know it sounds cruel to "lock" her in her room, but it;s the only way we can get her to take a time out and it is only for 2-3 minutes.

The phase we are going through right now is the "I do it myself" phase. Although I do encourage her independence it gets frustrating when we are on a schedule or short for time. I love her to death but sometimes I get so frustrated. My heart and prayer go out to all that these phases pass quickly.

[mamallama]

Yes!! I am having a real battle...daily. Within the last month it has been so difficult. My dd rarely does anything I ask of her. I can't get her do even simple things without threatening consequences or bribery. It really makes me feel like a bad mom most days...especially when sometimes they only way she will respond is if I raise my voice. I just feel like I've lost my touch with her. It used to be that she would listen to me and not so much daddy. I figured it was because daddy was away at work. But lately it seems she won't listen to either of us. I know that consistency is the key but what do you do when the method of punishment is not working anymore? I've had to change it numerous times just to get her to obey. We've even tried sitting down with her and talking about what God expects from us Biblically. We've sent her to time-out, we've taken away toys to the point where she has had no toys in her room - only a bed, dresser, vanity, we've taken away priveledges, we've even went so far as to spank (last straw) even though we really don't believe that is the right thing to do. I feel like nothing phases her. KWIM? I just feel horrible and am to the point of wanting to throw in the towel. I just wish for one day where everything is calm and happy around here. [[sigh]]

[lovemykids]

Oh well I believe in spanking as well the only thing is it just dont work for my dd. It just doesnt phase her. I am fixing to try the time out thing! I have been at the point that all of you are at....I have even taken all of her toys out of her room!! LOL it is just really good to know that this is really a stage and not just my child. Oh by the way I have tried to figure it out but what does KWIM? stand for? I have not seen that one before.

[justmeNmine]

I don't think that buying a new chair for time-out would be a wise investment, how about just sitting on the floor; that is where my 3 yo does time out. However smart and cute and funny my child can be, if I say no, I stick to no, rewarding his displays of intelligence with something like "you are so smart" but never giving him what he wants because I believe I have been outsmarted. I am happy to say that my 3 yo (a boy) is generally pretty good; his teacher at preschool has commented several times on his behavior in comparison to his class of 3 & 4 year olds (he's been the 2nd youngest) and I think Tara hit it on the head - consistency, consistency, consistency. Also, having a schedule and clear expectations has helped. It's when I don't give him any direction that he gets out of control.