Hopefully this post will serve as some sort of 'light at the end of the tunnel' for some moms. And really, I've been even waiting to mention it in fear of jinxing it. Guess I should also knock on some wood as I type this. Or maybe I just shouldn't even let these words be read. Here goes nothing!
We think the worst of the Trying 3's are over.
Key word is 'think'. And hope, and pray. He could always revert back should something set him off, but for now we are loving life. LOVING it. I have missed my little guy and his happy go lucky, laid back, not always testing self.
For a few weeks now, Drew has been an angel. Like hardly any tantrums, listening to what we tell him, following rules, offering his help with Ady, and just generally being an awesome kid. If this continues, his 'trying threes' stage lasted about 6 months with just a month of that being absolutely awful. Could it be that 3 months before his 4th birthday we are already seeing signs of the "favorable fours"?
I came out of his room after putting him to bed the other night and had tears in my eyes when I said to Derek "I missed him". Because I had. I have missed reading without throwing a tantrum because I turned a page and he had wanted too. I have missed picking him up from school and not having to walk on egg shells with what I ask him. I have deeply missed him saying things like 'you are my best friend mommy' and 'I love spending time with you mommy'. He now takes his plate over to the sink after we eat without being asked, and picks up his toys without protest. He grabs wipes for Ady when we ask and let's the dogs in and out of the yard if needed. Man I've missed him.
Although the sheer love obviously never fades, I'll be the first to admit that there were times I dreaded. We had quite a few early bedtimes as the evening was just unbearable and we cautiously attended outings or get-together's for fear of a meltdown. The nights of offering to do all the dishes in order to avoid playtime are over. We haven't had a timeout in weeks and I even was asked to snuggle the other evening. Huh?? This kid has NEVER wanted to snuggle. I have missed my turkey.
So for you moms currently in the trying threes phase, just know that soon enough it will end. Promise. And then you'll have your angel back that you've missed so very much and the world will be right again.
... until it's the next kids turn.
I've found that my kids tend to go in 6 month cycles for behavior. So that means they're good at least half the time :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that he is back. :) Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this. We've had some rough months with age 3, but 3.5 seems to be going a little more smoothly!
ReplyDeleteAww yay! I'm glad that phase seems to be ending. Rosen is a few months shy of 3, but she has really been testing the boundaries this past month. I hope it's not an early start to the Trying 3's. Good to know it doesn't last forever though!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet!!! I'm dreading the threes (Taylor turns 3 on Friday - what?).
ReplyDeleteBut I'm glad Drew is back!!! And hopefully for good!
So glad to hear! We have been in a trying stage for a while now. It is exhausting!
ReplyDeleteI forgot about the trying 3's! I was hoping that the terrible 2's would be ending soon. At least there is hope that someday he will be good....well, until his teen years! lol!
ReplyDeleteI must admit Xavier is super tough to handle most days, but at bedtime and when we wake he is the sweetest, most cuddling person ever! :)
such a sweet post. I hope his sweet self stays and the worst of the 3s are over for you guys. :)
ReplyDeleteI am glad Drew is back! Those times are tough. My daughter is almost 4 1/2 and still pushes every single boundary she can.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me happy!!
ReplyDeleteOur trying stage comes and goes so fast I never know what stage we're actually in until I stop and think, "oh we've had a good few days in a row!" Your sweet boy sounds like he's back!!
ReplyDeleteI think we are getting close or at least I hope so!
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