Toddler Behavior Since Baby

Feeling a bit desperate and looking for anyone in a similar position. Our first born turned 3 on Tuesday - normally a little ray of sunshine, funny, kind, loving and generally easy going, has turned into a different child since his baby brother arrived almost 3 weeks ago. And possibily a combination of threenager... He's hot and cold with his emotions, one minute he's in love with us (almost over the top), the next he's hitting, lashing out, having meltdowns and point black refusal to do anything we ask. His sleep has gone out the window and is waking every night climbing in bed with us, but then not really sleeping properly. Pure resistance to go to nursery each morning. Strong disk-like for me in particular, which is understandable. Although it's only been a few weeks, I feel as though we've lost our happy little toddler and gained one that's almost too much to manage right now. Anyone experiencing similar difficulties with their toddler? Coping strategies? Anyone weathered the storm and out the other side yet? Appreciate any responses :)

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I have no strategies or advice, just came to say SAME 😭 Our eldest girl was 3 in July and we definitely have a bit of threenager, but also the arrival of our baby girl 2 weeks ago has definitely added to her emotional state! She has a strong lean towards daddy, doesn't want comfort from me which has been the case since third trimester really. The "too much to manage" got me, because we've felt exactly the same and are at a loss as to how to help her manage her emotions. A lot of the time there's no comforting her at all 😢 So yeah, no advice but just to say you're not alone - struggling here too x

@Hannah solidarity. Sounds exactly the same as what we are going through. Particularly rejecting me and wanting his dad. It's so brutal and we have done everything possible to help the transition, but with no avail. Lets hope and pray it passes very soon! X

I have a three year old as well, but she has taken quite well to the baby. Some of the things we've done were read her books about having a baby before he arrived. Since his birth we've tried to make sure we still each have one on one time with her. She's at nursery too and I think she asked why he isn't going, I said because needs booby milk because he's so little. If she asks for something I try to prioritise her even when it is inconvenient because I'm halfway through feeding him or something. We get her to help too like can you pass this or can you play with him while I just get your breakfast? Basically getting her involved. She's much more interested in her baby dolls since, if you have any she keeps trying to copy me with it. I sleep in the nursery with the baby so she has been having sleepovers with Daddy on the weekends in our bed.

@Jess it really is, we've had the morning from hell with both girls crying all morning and then my husband getting overwhelmed and stressed. So we've had to divide and conquer today which seems to have calmed both girls down - not the day we'd planned at all 😔 but needed We did loads to prepare her too, and always prioritize our 3 year old but doesn't ease the behavior at all

I could’ve written this myself. I’m heartbroken that it feels like we’ve lost our lovely little boy😭

@Tanya so glad you're having a smoother ride than me and thank you for the tips / advice. Really appreciated xx

@Hannah same here, morning from hell is maybe an understatement 🤣. Hoping things get easier for you soon x

@Abi at least we aren't in it alone. This too shall pass and we will get our toddlers back eventually 🙏 x

@Jess hope things get better for you asap, I'm sure it'll settle down as he gets used to the baby.

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