Quandry

Struggling with the Threenager at the moment. And that by proxy means that I am beginning to question my parenting ability...not in the way that I think I'm crap, but just a niggle of doubt of a question. Just makes me think of those memes you see..

You're doing it wrong!

I know I'm not, as there is no such thing as wrong - unless you are applicable to be a guest on Jeremy Kyle - but it's trial and error.

He is a clever dude. He gets bored easily. He has the attention span of a gnat. He loves doing things. He loves process. He loves cooking. He's so funny, and charming, and loving.

But then on his Hyde side - he is aggressive, and rude, he bites and kicks and hits (mainly Lil dude but also the childminder), mainly when he is bored, tired or just being a buggeroo. 

I know a lot of this is his age. He is still only little, i sometimes forget as he is so much bigger than lil dude, that he is still only little.

I wonder if this behaviour is backlash at being called a big boy? Yet, he is so proud of being a big boy...but he is copying the small baby things Lil dude does like carrying round his comforter at home and wanting me to dress him. He only have a time out when he is really bad - i.e. hitting as he knows that's naughty. I try and go down the calm explain, distract and reward good choices, but it's really hard to know if that is actually working. The Bootcamp nazi parent idea doesn't sit comfortably with me.  I like consistant, I like calm and I like confident, but I like loving.

But I am not sure how to proceed with him. I give him cuddles, I give him time to explain and listen, I try not to shout or punnish inconsistantly. I try to spend time with him one on one but he is very attention demanding to the detriment of his little brother. Is he lacking confidence?

Ooh it's a minefield. I am open to suggestions!