BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

I see that it's easier for my family once the child hits around the age of 4.

Do you find this to be true? I know there are a whole new set of things to worry, argue, and think about but I have to imagine that the "reasoning" is easier with a 4 year old then a 2-3 year old?

I keep thinking that if we have a 3rd kid it may send me off the deep end, but if I do know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and they won't always be this stubborn and hardheaded maybe it will help me picture it!

Or is it just my kid that drives me crazy?

Message edited 5/13/2010 8:25:22 AM.

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

We turned a corner at 4 as well... it's easier to reason with her, and she understands better consequences to her actions. I've found, too, that positive reinforcement works absolute wonders at this age. I used to use a star chart for Alex, but now I actually give her money for everytime she helps out around the house and behaves well, so she can save up for a new toy, and it's working like a charm!

I have to say, too, that having another baby when Alex was 4, even though not our original plan, was the best spacing EVER for our family and for me. Instead of competing, or seeing Yael as a threat, Alex has taken on the role as a second mother to her, and a tremendous helper for me. It's just wonderful

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

Well, as I have a 3 AND I 4 year old...I can answer the question...YES!

I felt things started taking a turn for the better around 3.5.

Also, Katherine is in school FT now (she's in Pre-K) and that makes a world of difference because I'm a SAHM and I know you're one too. Our #3 will arrive in October and she'll be in Kindergarten then and Abby in Nursery PT. I can't wait...it's going to be so much easier in some ways than having them 1.5 years apart like my DDs.

Katherine is SO excited to be a "big big sister;" Abby couldn't care less, however.

Don't get me wrong, Kate definitely has her moments, but overall, MUCH better than age 2 or 3!

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

Ummmmm........



So far my DS's most challenging year is age 3.5-4.5 (where we are now )

All of the pre-k mom's of boys in his class seem to be having similar issues, so I know its not just my DS....He is very hard headed, argumentative and impulsive ....

He is also at the age where he is exposed to many more kids and has gotten very good at picking up bad habits from them that he didn't have before...His world is getting bigger and its harder to curb influences...

It is easier to reason with him than when he was younger, but he's also much better at arguing his point of view which is a bit of a challenge

Either way, I wouldn't ( and am not) letting iy sway my decsision to expand my family...This too shall pass

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

DS will be 4 in September and he is a BREEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only when he is tired he will give me a "little" problem.

DD....I am not sure if it will be the same when she is that age

Message edited 5/13/2010 11:05:00 AM.

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

My 2 are 5 and 6, and in a lot of ways things ARE easier.

HOWEVER, new hard things always crop up to take the please of the old. New attitudes, new arguments... you get the picture, I'm sure.

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

Yes! My DS turned 4 a couple months ago and he's just wonderful. He goes to school only 3 mornings a week, but will be going 3 full days in Sept. He's agreeable, helps me, is very easy to reason with. Honestly, if he was an only child I could truly say being a SAHM at this stage would be a breeze (and any SAHM knows that's a pretty bold statement)

My 15 month old DD, on the other hand, appears to be going through the terrible twos a little early. Let's see if she's as easy when SHE turns 4, lol!

Re: BTDT moms of children older than 4 years old

thanks everyone. I see how easy it is for my family now. At parties they just get to sit back at relax (the youngest besides Jack just turned 5) and DH and I are running around crazy after Jack.

I am also thinking that when Jack understands things more clearly he will be better behaved (wishful thinking? )

If we do have another one I wouldn't get pregnant until next year so by the time the baby is born Jack will be around 4.5 (Tyler will be around 2.5)

Too bad all of this planning isn't even up to me