With your child fighting the crisis of age 3

Compared with the 2-year-old crisis, the 3-year-old crisis is not inferior and makes many parents confused in understanding their children.

When your baby reaches the 3-year-old milestone, don't be too surprised if the baby begins to change. She becomes irritable and does not seem satisfied with everything. If so, chances are you are entering a 3-year-old crisis.

What is the 3-year-old crisis and how long does it last?

The age of 3 crisis is a natural phenomenon in the development of minds of young children. Crisis usually lasts from the second half of age to 3 to the first half of age to 4 with varying degrees and intensity, depending on each baby.

 

Signs of crisis age 3

With your child fighting the crisis of age 3

 

 

Some common manifestations of the 3-year-old crisis include:

Want to do everything by yourself

Negative reactions to everything

Unreasonably upside down

Do not listen to what adults instruct

Not interested in past favorites

Regularly argue with adults with actions or words

Stubbornly insisting on something not because of really wanting it, but getting used to being an adult who fulfills every request ...

10 ways to deal with the 3-year-old crisis that parents should try

To work with your child through this stage, parents can refer to some of the following suggestions:

1. Limit screaming

Screaming is a defense mechanism that adults often use when young children are not obedient. However, this will cause more negative psychological effects on the baby than you can realize even though it may make him obey you immediately.

Instead of shouting at your child loudly, try to control it and find gentler forms of warning. The reason is that young children need to be raised in a positive environment to develop a healthy brain.

Please refer to the article Did you know that not scolding your children is good for both children and you?

2. Learn to listen

Young children will feel happier knowing that adults are listening to what they are trying to say. If your child seems upset because you didn't buy a favorite toy while at the supermarket, tell him or her about something. You can say to your baby like, "I know you really want that teddy bear, but the shop owner says that next week will bring more beautiful bears, let's wait until then to see."

While this may not satisfy your child's urge to play the toy, it will also help reduce anger and somewhat soothe the baby.

3. Explanation

A baby entering a 3-year-old crisis rarely understands why he must stop doing things he feels happy about, such as biting, hitting or taking your toys.

Instead, be the one who explains empathy: "If your child hurts the other children, you will cry and be very sad." This method will help your baby understand that his or her behavior directly affects others and is not good at all.

4. Hints for selection

When 3-year-olds refuse to do or stop doing something, the problem is often in the ability of parental control. If your baby is used to the fact that he will have everything if he cries just a little, it's time to come up with a tough solution to this.

If your baby shows interest in playing with toys, parents let their children choose from 2 to 3 dishes. Resolutely say no, even though the child appears to want more.

5. Pay attention to your baby

With your child fighting the crisis of age 3

 

 

The 3-year-old crisis causes children to do whatever they can to get the attention of adults, you can see this through the fact that your child constantly tries to pick up a cell phone when you are using it or squeeze in between you and the computer while you're at work. Of course, adults need to complete daily tasks and cannot always play with their children.

Therefore, if your baby shows that he wants to be taken care of by you, take a moment to pause what he is doing to hold him and ask if he or she needs a drink or something.

6. Give your baby a big hug

Children aged 3 need a lot of loving gestures from adults, even when you are doing whatever. Always be ready to give your children affectionate arms, hug your children tightly and always say: "We love you" even though the baby is not quite obedient at that time.

7. Teach your child to obey

The reality is that no one is born obedient right away, but this requires training. The 3-year-old crisis will urge the baby's need to prove himself, making them often object to their parents' words.

The tip for teaching obedience is to make children feel proud and happy when they receive praise from everyone around them. To practice this, try starting to ask your baby to perform simple actions that accompany the cues, such as: “Dad says, 3 claps good baby”. Then gradually move on to more complex tasks such as telling your baby to put toys away.

8. Apply time-out

Time-out is a fairly common form of punishment that doesn't involve screaming at children. When your baby is not good, carry him to a quiet area of ​​the house and leave him there for 10 - 15 minutes no matter how screaming he or she is. Tell your child that parents will only allow him to come back to play if he refrains and obeys the adults.

9. Find out

Learn and try all the non-spanking penalties that are effective in calming your baby and trying to encourage correct behaviors.

10. Be an example for your child

There will be times when your child will make you extremely angry, but no matter what, try to stay calm with them. At the age of 3, babies often observe and repeat everything their parents do or say. Therefore, you should try to be a good role model for your baby to learn and follow.

The 3-year-old crisis turned out to be helpful

Sometimes a 3-year-old crisis happens without any apparent negative effects. The emergence of qualities such as willpower, independence and pride in achievement is a sure sign of a child's full development at this age.

 

 

Leave a Comment

How to Teach Chores Without Redoing Every Task for Your Child

How to Teach Chores Without Redoing Every Task for Your Child

Teach kids to do chores with fewer reminders: set a clear finish line, model one task, step back, and correct only what is unsafe or unfinished.

Why a Toilet-Trained Child May Start Having Accidents Again

Why a Toilet-Trained Child May Start Having Accidents Again

Learn why toilet-trained children may start having pee or poop accidents again, what patterns to track, how to respond calmly, and when to call the pediatrician.

Why Does a Child Ask the Same Reassurance Question Repeatedly?

Why Does a Child Ask the Same Reassurance Question Repeatedly?

A child may repeat a reassurance question to process information, seek connection, or manage worry. Learn how to respond and when persistent anxiety needs support.

Screen-Time Boundaries Without Constant Battles: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents

Screen-Time Boundaries Without Constant Battles: A Beginner’s Guide for Parents

Learn how to set screen-time boundaries with predictable routines, warnings, calm follow-through, and better transitions—without turning every device handoff into a fight.

How to Teach a Child to Lose a Game Without Shame or Anger

How to Teach a Child to Lose a Game Without Shame or Anger

Teach children to handle losing without shame or explosive anger by validating feelings, setting behavior limits, modeling recovery, and practicing at the right difficulty.

When a Child Behaves Well at School but Melts Down at Home: What Parents Can Do

When a Child Behaves Well at School but Melts Down at Home: What Parents Can Do

A calm, practical plan for after-school meltdowns: reduce overload, keep limits clear, track patterns, coordinate with school, and know when to seek help.

When a Child Says “Nobody Likes Me”: How Parents Can Respond

When a Child Says “Nobody Likes Me”: How Parents Can Respond

Learn how to respond when a child feels unwanted, ask supportive questions, recognize bullying or ongoing distress, and know when to seek extra help.

How Can Siblings Share a Room When Their Sleep Schedules Differ?

How Can Siblings Share a Room When Their Sleep Schedules Differ?

Learn how to set up a shared bedroom for siblings with different bedtimes, from planning around age-based sleep needs to creating separate sleep spaces and quiet routines.

What Helps a Child Return to School After a Long Absence?

What Helps a Child Return to School After a Long Absence?

Compare full-day, gradual, and temporary at-home return plans, plus health checks and school supports that can help a child reenter safely.

When Should a Child Handle a Friendship Problem—and When Should Adults Step In?

When Should a Child Handle a Friendship Problem—and When Should Adults Step In?

Learn when a child can try to solve a friendship problem, when adults should step in, and how to tell whether support is helping or needs to change.