3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

Anyone BTDT with this situation...DH and I are puzzled

Our 3yr old DD yesterday suddenly started crying and whining at every little thing- if we say no, if I told her dinner wasnt ready, if she hurt herself, if we took her sandals off for nap etc etc

She has forgotten to use all her "big girl words" and ask for things or explain whats wrong.

HOWEVER when we went out in public 2x yesterday she was perfectly fine- smiling, happy helpful.


Any clue what could be going on??? My only thought is this has to be related somehow to brother who arrives in 2 weeks b/c weve been setting up baby stuff around the house.

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

I think you're right that she's sensing the change that will occur very soon. Ever since finding out he's going to be a big brother, DS has been much more clingy and always wants me to carry him. He's excited about the baby, but I think he realizes that things are going to change. He also recently started talking like a baby a few times a day when he's home. According to his daycare teachers, he doesn't do that at all when he's there.

Does she talk about the baby at all? Do you talk to her about him and what it will be like when he comes home with you? Have you let her help with setting stuff up? Would she want to do that? Maybe try to include her in things that involve the baby. Also, I'd try to do at least 1 or 2 special things with her over the next week or two before the baby arrives.

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

You just described my almost 3 year old DS to a T. We just had three weeks ago. I think this regressed/attention seeking behavior must be related to having a new sibling. We have found that ignoring the whining and only correcting the worst behavior has helped curb it.

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

I brought up my idea with DH and he kinda thinks that the baby coming must be it.... until a few days ago, there hasnt been much baby stuff around but yesterday my parents brought up the pack n play, swing etc

DD has been great so far- talking to my belly, helping to fold his clothes and opened presents at my sprinkle- I just think seeing the "invasion" of baby stuff in the house is making it hit her.

Once I can get my old couches out of here on Wed, I am going to set up a whole new play area for her in the LR so she has a special area for her toys and books while the baby has his area- thinking giving her some special attention would be good for her.

Any other ideas besides that and spending time together at the park etc that would help these meltdowns?

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

Welcome to age 3........

I have no advice, because I've tried it all it seems.

Everything is a tragedy, her world falls apart whenhe wind changes direction.

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

Re: 3yr old suddenly crying/whining ALL THE TIME

Message edited 5/27/2012 8:48:40 PM.