Terrible Threes

Almost every single day with my 3 year old is a struggle. I am absolutely miserable and it’s starting to make my day to day unbearable. I was so worried about postpartum depression with my second baby (5 months now) but I am certain that it’s just plain depression being fueled by my 3 year old. My partner and I do everything we can to meet my 3 year olds needs. He goes to school twice a week. Family outings at least once a week. His behavior is HORRID and I don’t understand why. My mom says it’s just three. Just him testing boundaries, asserting dominance, all a phase that will pass. I truly don’t care because every day is a battle. I hate that things are this way and what it’s doing to my relationship with my child. Please tell me if you’re experiencing the same?

Show your support

My daughter just turned 3. While not everyday is a battle with her it is most days. She is very strong willed and independent and I don’t want to diminish that as she will need it in life but I will say I cry most days out of complete frustration. People say the same to me. It’s just the 3s, things will get better but man I would give anything to have the newborn stage back sometimes. Stay strong momma. It’s not just you

Thank you so much 💗

You are not alone. 3 is so hard! I think more challenging than 2 in some ways. My daughter turned 3 at the end of January and it has been more of a struggle. She has a lot more attitude. I find days she has 1:1 time to connect with me (full attention)and offering lots of choices vs making them for her, things are better. It is a lot of asserting independence like you mentioned. Taking care of toddlers (and for you a baby too on top of it!) requires so much energy and patience, which usually us tired parents just don’t have enough of. PPD /depression could also make it harder to do what you need for yourself and to be able to manage his “big feelings”. I’m sure he feels the stress with having a new sibling too. It sounds like a big adjustment for all of you.