[Emster]

I haven't posted in awhile, but am becoming increasingly in need of support so I don't think I'm crazy or doing the mommying wrong!

My little one will turn 3 years old next week. The past few weeks his behavior has escalated beyond my ability to comprehend. I realize tantrums are age appropriate and at this age they are becoming more independent and there are control issues. I just didn't realize it would be this hard and am wondering if you all had seen the same things.

EVERYTHING is a struggle, adn I feel like I am constantly fussing, making deals, putting in time out, etc. He won't get IN the car when its time to go, he won't get OUT of the car when we get wherever it is. He doesn't want to go to daycare, he doesn't want to leave daycare. He doesn't want to take a bath, he refuses to get out of the bath, etc, etc, etc. All this to the point of screaming, hitting, crying, kicking (erm, on his part, not mine...well...I do scream from time to time). He;s healthy, well fed and snacked, sleeps great at night, and gets lots of attention. We keep things pretty structured and routine as we found this works best for us all. He is unfortunately, stronger than I am at times, especially in one of these fits, and I fear that if I try to force, say, getting into a carseat, that I'll hurt him or he'll hurt me. I do my best, but become physically exhausted after this goes on. I refuse to leave him in the car to cry it out, as I feel this is dangerous. I will leave the room in the house and take my own time out as I feel necessary.

I don't know...have you seen this in your kids and how do you deal with it when you have places to go and things to do? Its like a switch got flipped and I don't know how to turn it off...OR, is it just my kiddo?

I feel like a very ineffective mom, adn it makes me very sad to fight with my boy constantly every day. I do try to choose my battles, give choices and control where appropriate, but even then this behavior occurs. Please Tell me there's light at the end of the tunnel.