Does anyone else have a 3 year old (or HAD a 3 year old, or KNOW a 3 year old) who basically loses his mind around 5pm every day? My kids, but mainly my 3 year old goes absolutely crazy every evening. He is wild and disobedient and on my last nerve.
And I know that's part of it. I'm tired and frazzled by the end of the day and so everything he does seems worse than it probably is.
But I'm pretty sure it's not my imagination that they really do get wilder at the end of the day. Any ideas on how to make it through that last little bit until dad gets home? I mean besides just sending them out in the cold and dark to play. And don't think that hasn't crossed my mind. And don't think I haven't done it when it wasn't quite so cold.
Don't judge. Just help me out.
And you lurkers out there, you know who you are. Speak up because I know who you are too and I know you've had a 3 year old. :)
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4 years ago
9 comments:
Sorry girl, I wish I could help but I don't really have any words of wisdom. Maybe he could have a special "job", like helping with something for dinner, that would keep him busy during that time??? I don't know, but hopefully somebody will be able to help you out!
I've had four 3yos. And no, it isn't your imagination. And I am certainly not judging!
What's wrong with throwing them outside? That's what coats, hats and gloves and porch lights are for, right? Desperate times call for desperate measures. =)Warm them up with hot cider or hot cocoa and it's all good, right? Right?!? =)
Maybe a before-dinner routine might help? One that has some activity to it? Or if activity amps your kids up even more, an hour of quiet time on their beds? My kids spend the time before dinner on their own beds with one book or one toy.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Honestly, like everything else in parenting, it is hit-and-miss and what works one day or with one child will fail dismally with the next.
I agree. NOT your imagination. I usually make Caroline take her bath while I am doing supper, but you can't do that with a 3 year old. AND she yells questions at me! Oh, it drives me nuts! I don't know why they lose their minds at that time of the day, but they do! Ummm... maybe a special toy that he can only play with in the afternoons? Or a special coloring thing? The one toy on their bed idea doesn't sound too bad... unless he just got up from a nap an hour before and won't stay in there again. I agree girl. It's a quandry.
No help from this mother-of-a-current-3-year-old!! I have already told you how bad of a disciplinarian I am!! But, do send on any good advice that works for you!! Love you!! And just know I am struggling every day at 5-6pm too!!! ;o)
Oh my, I'm feeling a little pressure that I should have an answer for you, but I GOT NOTHIN'! I had three 3 yr. olds (and presently have a 3 yr.old granddaughter, as you know) and they ALL seemed to have a meltdown about that time of day. I think part of it is that they are tired, too, just like we are.
The only thing that I can say is to urge you to stay consistent with your discipline. Don't give in to that whining because once they see you "cave", they know they've won.
Hang in there, girl! This TOO shall pass!
BTW...Happy Happy Birthday! I hope that you have had a wonderful day and may the Lord bless you with your best year yet! Thank you for being such an awesome friend to Faith. She is so blessed to have such a great friend in you!
Girl. Let me just say that I always called that the "Daddy" hour. It's like my kids knew it was getting close to time for Daddy to come home (which I know yours doesn't do regularly with his traveling, but still) and they would go insane and push me to the point of having a total TIA and then in would walk Daddy. I would be on the verge of tears or rage and they're all like "Daddy's home, Daddy's home". Used to KILL me. All I can say is, be brave, this too shall pass!!
PS - Forgot to say it when I was near you today but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Val
Oh yeah, forgot to offer help/advice. Finally after a few weeks of this nonsense, I decided to hold off on any TV time until it was meltdown hour and then pop in their FAVORITE movie just so I wasn't pulling my hair out while trying to get dinner on. I know, LAME, and I'm not advocating using the TV to entertain your kids, but sometimes, you gotta do what ya gotta do to keep from losin' it!
Hope it helps.
CYA
V
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i have read that when they go a while between meals their blood sugar dips a little and that can make little kids very cranky. I know it to be true with my 1 yr old. maybe try giving him a small snack like a piece of cheese at 4pm?
just a thought, definitely no judgements!!! :) have a great thanksgiving!
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