help

[flea]

Can anyone recommend sources of support (books, web sites) for dealing with a rude, sassy three year old? Things are getting out of hand. I don't want to be the kind of parent who accepts back-talk, but nothing we do seems to have any impression on this child. And the spanking fantasies are coming daily at this point.

Comments

[loligo.livejournal.com]

A true story: a few days ago we got packages in the mail from both my mom and my mother-in-law. From the MIL, a pair of pink high-tops for Chuckles, bibs for Squeaky, and a ton of Halloween candy. From my mom: Little Piggy's Book of Manners for Chuckles, and for me, Drawing the Line: Ten Steps to Constructive Discipline. GEE THANKS MOM. My younger sister was unexpectedly visiting, too, and she got her very own veiled insult: the card said "I found a similar book very helpful in dealing with [younger sister]'s behavioral issues."

As insulting as it was to receive these books completely unasked-for, the book does actually look pretty good.

[tortoiseshell.livejournal.com]

We used the 1-2-3 Magic approach. Being consistent is a big part of it, like any other plan. One of my co-workers used to be very effective with my kids by getting to their level and saying with authority, "that is not acceptable." He had a real knack.

Even at the age they are now saying "That's One!" will get their attention.

Also, my sincere sympathy. This parenting thing, very tough.

[haphazardmethod.livejournal.com]

I'm here after I posted about how my two year old is making me insane and she wondered who'd win if her daughter, my daughter, and your child fought it out in a cage match. In other words, I have no useful advice but lots of sympathy. And now I am off to check out that book Ms. Loligo recommended.