My little girl has been such a happy child, albeit full of energy. Recently (since turning 3) she is full of anger, frustration, doesn’t share with her friends, kicks and hits me when I say no to something, will have a screaming and crying episode that lasts hours and there is no consoling her. I’m exhausted and also it’s really making me sad to the point I feel like she doesn’t like to be around me anymore and I feel like such a failure as a mum. When we do activities at home I tend to go for things that she is capable of to try and just get a few minutes to make some food or have a cuppa but she always wants me to do it with her and again gets really angry when I say she can do it herself for a few minutes. I see all my mum friends with really placid children then there is mine who is literally bouncing off the walls all day and I can’t even do basic stuff like wash my hair or cook a proper dinner. Night times have grown to be my favourite time as I know I’ll get a few hours peace from the chaos, but then we still have 2-3 waking a a night. I also work every other day too, just feel like my head is going to explode. I don’t know what I want from this post, but kind of just want to know I’m not alone!
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My little one is the same! He’s hit 3 and it’s like a total switch in personality. Independent play totally stopped for a while and he wouldn’t let me do a thing, he’s getting there now and they will get past it! There’s a bit of a spike in separation anxiety around this time too so she’s possibly just needing a little more reassurance. It’s super normal and as much as it’s not nice, but she feel safe enough to have big emotions with you. You’re her safe place to let out everything she’s holding. She definitely doesn’t hate you quite the opposite! They are learning so much and developing so quickly in their little heads I think they have a hard time keeping up with themselves. Keep at it, keep loving and providing the safe place you are. It’s hard and exhausting but it will pass. You’re definitely not alone with your lovely threenager. I have no idea how some mums manage to look and feel so put together but from another ragged exhausted mum you are doing good!