The Three Year Old Blues

“Three-year-olds can better manage their emotions, but may still fall apart under stress.”

This said so eloquently by PBS Parents.

*sigh*

That’s my girl all right. She’s a bundle of light and energy. At times it is all I can do to stop myself from hugging and kissing her but when she’s upset and whiny - which is a lot of the time, it can get a little much. The slightest insult whether it be a teeny scrape or baby push by her brother is enough to send her over the edge. I don’t know who is having a harder time with it, me or her.

She’s willful and determined, sensitive and engaging. We were on our way to swim lessons when she wiped out on the slick sidewalk. Poor thing just lay there on the concrete drowning in tears. After that she refused to go in the pool. I tried the soft- “Come on honey. It’ll be okay”- approach. Didn’t work. I tried the hard – “You better get yourself over to the pool”- approach. No surprise that didn’t work either. Finally I just let her wait it out and she was coaxed in – by the swim teacher. Drove me crazy.

Just when I think she’s a big girl and ought to know better, she reminds me otherwise. I have been known to find her crawled up in bed, clutching her blankie and sucking her thumb. My heart goes all soft and reminds me that there is no one else like her. I need to cut her some slack.

Sheila Cason, MD