Do you try to practice "gentle parenting"? It's normal for them to test boundaries and want some control in their lives. I think it's a positive action to explain The Why to them. They're curious, and it's reasonable to explain things to them. We've talked about how non-negotiable things are related to keeping them safe and healthy because that's our job. Sometimes I have to stop and realize the thing/behavior I want isn't really that important. It's a lot of unlearning the parenting I was brought up with, and not using the "because I said so".
Oh man I feel this! I've tried gentle parenting and everything else and nothing seems to help. I feel like I'm drowning between my almost 4 year old behavior and taking care of my almost 4 month old that is sick and not sleeping
My son will be 4 soon as well and he is like a totally different kid. I swear I’m arguing with a know it all 10 yr old every day. I can’t help outside of just solidarity. We have just been holding our boundaries together. He will try to test us together and individually. Luckily no hitting but he does “play” pretty aggressively so if he starts I tell him I won’t play with him unless he calms down and then I leave the room.
Anna! My son will be 4 Nov 9, he also started trying to swing at us! It's crazy we don't discipline him that way so it's so weird that it's his go to! Saying things like" we keep our hands to ourselves", " we don't get what we want just because we're being loud" . My husband and I are currently in school and I've noticed that when we're busier with schoolwork it's when he's acting out the most. Intentional quality works.. sometimes. 😵💫 You're definitely NOT alone!!