Why are 3-year-olds often stubborn?

The “3-year-old crisis” is a phase most children go through between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. It begins when children discover they have the ability to refuse requests from others. Children react negatively to many requests, including pleasant ones. In general, children are more stubborn than cooperative. If not understood, this behavior can become extremely frustrating for parents.

Every 3-year-old will have good moments and bad moments, sometimes in quick succession. A 3-year-old's brain is still learning the world and its rules. At the same time, young children can't always use words to convey their desires, so they use their bodies and gestures to express their feelings. All of this can culminate in a tantrum or chaos, a burst of crying and screaming from very petty causes. Negative emotions often occur because the child feels an intense injustice, they are refused to buy a toy, or you won't buy them some candy. They are too young to understand the reasoning behind their parents' restrictions. All kids know is that they want something and they don't get it.
Of course, three-year-olds can misbehave in many different ways. They may be aggressive towards other children or may have a habit of breaking or destroying things. Toddlers often bite - this is a side effect of teething. It's important for parents to realize that all of these behaviors are fairly common, but it's also important to know when things have gone too far.
Behavior problems usually begin around 18 months of age. Before that time, children had less mobility, simpler needs, and less free will. Subsequent tantrums are fairly common in many, if not most, two- and three-year-olds. By age five, as children have better language skills and better control over their emotions, tantrums should subside (though not always).
Watch now: Children showing signs of screaming, crying, or hitting their loved ones is a crisis at the age of 3?

Consider the following guidelines to help you and your child through this stage:
Don't treat this normal phase as abnormal: Instead of saying "no" to your child, say "yes" Should parents do this?" or "That's what you meant, right?" A child's negative reaction should not be confused with disrespect. Give your child lots of choice: This is the best way to strengthen your child's sense of freedom and control, so that he becomes more cooperative. Examples of options are letting your child choose between a shower or a bath; which book to read; what toys to put in the bath; eat any fruit for snacks; wear any clothes or shoes; What breakfast cereals and games to play,... For chores that your child doesn't like, let them talk about it by asking, "Do you want to go slow or fast?" or "Do you want me to do it or do you do it yourself?" Let the child quickly gain the feeling that he is the decision maker, the sooner he will become cooperative.

Don't give your child a choice when there is no choice. Safety rules, such as wearing a seat belt in a car seat, although you can explain why it should be followed. Don't ask questions when there's only one acceptable answer, but guide your child in the kindest way possible (e.g., "I'm sorry, but you have to go to sleep now."). Provide transition time when changing activities. If your child is having fun and has to move on to another activity, they may need a transition period. For example, if your child is playing with a toy when it's time for dinner, give him a 5-minute warning. Eliminate excessive rules: the more rules you have, the less likely it is that your child will agree to follow them. Removing unnecessary expectations and arguments helps your child feel less in control by having more positive interactions than negative ones each day. Avoid responding to your child's requests with an excessive "no": Give your child a role model of comfort. When your child asks for something and you're not sure, try to say "yes" or delay your decision by saying, "Let me think about it." If you're going to make a request, do so immediately, before your child whines or begs. When you have to say "no," tell your child you're sorry and give your child a reason. What do 3-year-olds need to learn or 3-year-olds cry often, these are definitely issues that many parents care about. Instead of forcing children, parents should learn about the child's physiological changes at this time to better understand their children and orient and shape their children's personalities right from this golden period.
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