Everyone says “terrible twos” but as a parent, age 3 can actually be much harder. One of the biggest shifts between 2 and 3 is that children become much more capable without becoming much more regulated. That’s often why parenting can feel more difficult. This episode focused on the developmental differences between age 2 and age 3 and how to best support this as a parent. This included:

Reviewing research on:

• Executive function and self-regulation development at 3
• The role of language and cognition development
• Three-year olds’ NEED for independence
• Why whining, screaming, and negotiating increase
• The difference between knowing and doing for behavior

Describing strategies to use in your own parenting:

• Staying neutral and calm in your reactions
• Validate your child’s feelings
• Hold boundaries warmly and calmly (see Episode 3 for more on boundaries)
• Talk less during meltdowns - save teaching for later
• Look for WHY the behavior is happening (hunger, tired, overstimulation, etc.)
• Expect repetition and be consistent
• Practice self-regulation with games (red light/green light, freeze dance) or pretend play

Suggesting books:

• “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld
• “When Sophie Gets Angry - Really Really Angry” by Molly Bang
• “Little Monkey Calms Down” by Michael Dahl
• “Llama Llama Mad at Mama” by Anne Dewdney
• “I Can Do It Myself!” by Diane Adams
• “The Pout Pout Fish and the Mad, Mad Day” by Deborah Diesen
• “The Whole Brain Child” by Dan Siegel & Tina Payne-Bryson
• “How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen” by Joanna Faber & Julie King
• “Raising a Secure Child” by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell

Support my show! I’d love it if you would subscribe, rate, and review my podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to show your support of the show.

Connect with me on Instagram:

@parentempowerance for tips, tools & real-life parenting

@parentempowerancepodcast for the podcast!

If you want more support with handling your child’s behaviors, emotions, or development:

• Book a 1-time 60-minute Parent Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parentstrategysession
• Inquire about ongoing parent coaching support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuUgpYqqBbQTM4TWXOI89Cw4p19k7JqUk8E3tXZNL4RyxCkg/viewform?usp=header
• Book a 1-time Right Fit Childcare Consult: https://calendly.com/amarabradetich/parent-empowerance-right-fit-childcare-consult
• Download my parent coaching service guide to learn more about how I can help you and your family: https://parentempowerance.myflodesk.com/serviceguide